


\ii 



/ 



WASHINGTON AFTER 
THE REVOLUTION 

MDCCLXXXIV— MDCCXCIX 






BTIFILLIAM SPOHN BAKER 

AUTHOR OF "itinerary OF GENERAL WASHINGTON, 1775" 
1783," "EARLY SKETCHES OF GEORGE WASHINGTON," "EN- 
GRAVED PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON," " MEDALLIC PORTRAITS 
OF WASHINGTON," ** CHARACTER PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON," 
" BIBLIOTHECA WASHINGTONIANA," ETC. 



J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY 
PHILADELPHIA MDCCCXCVIII 



:'■/ Or co,v,.■~~^: -N, 



<\--^-- 





m i '"i isyc 



2nr! COPY, 






Copyright, 1898, 

BY 

Henry Whelen, Jr. 



7619 



//^' 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 



On tlae 23d day of December, 1783, Washington resigned 
his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the armies of 
the Revolution to the Congress of the United States, then in 
session at Annapolis, Maryland. After a simple but most 
impressive ceremony, made memorable by the singular 
beauty and dignity of his address, he left for Mount Ver- 
non, where he arrived toward the close of the following 
day. It was the evening before Christmas when Wash- 
ington returned to that home which through the long and 
weary struggle was ever in his mind, and where he hoped, 
to use his own words, " to spend the remainder of his days 
in cultivating the aflections of good men, and in the practice 
of the domestic virtues." But the end was not yet ! There 
was to be but a brief period of repose ; other and more 
trying years were before him ; other and more trying duties 
were to be imposed. But when they came, when the new 
duties and responsibilities were to be met, the old firmness 
and courage, judgment and decision, were displayed, and, 
strong alike in peace as in war, the great soul, responsive 
to the call, was found equal to the task. 

We propose, as a sequel to the Itinerarj^ of the Revolu- 
tion (1775-1783), to follow Washington through the remain- 
ing years of his life, keeping our notes as closely as possible 
to his personal movements, although at times it may be 
difficult to separate his public acts from those of a more 
private and personal nature. 

W. S. Baker. 

Philadelphia. 



(fO 



WASHINGTON 
AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 



1784. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " The public and other papers, which 
were committed to your charge, and the books in which 
they have been recorded under your inspection, having come 
safe to hand, I take this first opportunity of signifying my 
entire approbation of the manner in which you have exe- 
cuted the important duties of recording secretary, and the 
satisfaction I feel in having my papers so properly arranged, 
and so correctly recorded." — Washington to Richard Varick. 

In the month of May, 1781, General Washington made arrangements, 
by authority of Congress, to have all his official papers recorded in volumes. 
He appointed Colonel Richard Varick to superintend this work,— to classify 
the papers according to a plan furnished by himself, and to engage such a 
number of copyists as he should deem expedient. These volumes, thirty- 
seven in number, containing transcripts of Washington's entire correspond- 
ence, official and private, from the beginning to the end of the Revolution, 
are now the property of the national government, and form one of the 
most valuable features of its archives. They were purchased with a large 
amount of other papers in August, 1834, from George Corbin Washington, 
to whom they were bequeathed by his uncle, Judge Bushrod Washington, 
the original devisee under the will of General Washington. 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " When you have finished my por- 
trait which is intended for the Count de Solms, I will thank 
you for handing it to Mr, Robert Morris, who will forward 
it to the Count de Bruhl (Minister from His Electoral High- 

3 



4 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

ness of Saxe at the Court of London), as the channel pointed 
out for the conveyance of it." — Washington to Joseph Wright, 
at Philadelphia. 

Under date of August 4, 1785, the Comte de Solms, " De la Fortress de 
Konigstein en Saxe," acknowledged the receipt of this portrait in the fol- 
lowing terms: "My General and ray Hero.— I have just received your 
picture, and I am entirely taken up to give it a sufficient embellishment by 
placing it between the King of Prussia and his illustrious brother Henry. 
You see that this is a trio very harmonical. ... It must be that the picture 
resembles, for I regard it as the greatest ornament of my fortress. ' ' 

The sittings for this portrait must have been given in December, 1783, 
Washington having been in Philadelphia from the 5th to the 15th of that 
month. Another portrait by Wright — a three-quarter length, presented by 
Washington to Mrs. Samuel Powel, of Philadelphia, and still in possession 
of the family at Newport, Rhode Island — may have been executed at the 
same time. It is signed and dated «' J. Wright, 1784." The Powel Portrait 
is known through an etching executed by Albert Rosenthal, the frontispiece 
to Baker's " Bibliotheca Washingtoniana, " Philadelphia, 1889. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14. 

At Mount Yernon : " I am truly sensible, Sir, that the 
extract from the instructions of the executive of Pennsyl- 
vania to their delegates, contains another most flattering 
proof of the favorable opinion they are pleased to entertain 
of my past services. Every repeated mark of the approba- 
tion of my fellow citizens, especially of those invested with 
so dignified an appointment, demands my particular ac- 
knowledgment. Under this impression, I cannot but feel 
the greatest obligations to the Supreme Executive Council 
of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. But, as my senti- 
ments on the subject of their instructions have been long 
and well known to the public, I need not repeat them to 
your Excellency on the present occasion." — Washington to 
Thomas 3fifflin. 

Under date of December 16, 1783, the Supreme Executive Council of 
Pennsylvania forwarded a paper to the delegates in Congress from that State, 
instructing them to bring to the early attention of Congress the fact that, as 
the admiration of the world might make the life of Washington in a very 



1784] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 5 

considerable degree public, and bis very services to bis country subject him 
to expenses, some testimonial of public gratitude would be proper under the 
circumstances. The instructions, drawn in a most delicate manner, were 
transmitted to Washington by President Mifflin before submitting them to 
Congress. The reply as given above, in accordance with his determination, 
made known when he received his commission as Commander-in-Chief, to 
accept no compensation from his country for his services other than his 
expenses, prevented any further action on the subject. 



SUNDAY, JANUAKY 18. 

At Mount Vernon : " The disinclination of the individual 
States to yield competent powers to Congress for the federal 
government, their unreasonable jealousy of that body and 
of one another, and the disposition, which seems to pervade 
each, of being all-wise and all-powerful within itself, will, 
if there is not a change in the system, be our downfall as a 
nation." — Washington to Benjamin Harrison. 

THUKSDAY, JANUAKY 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " If my commission [as Commander- 
in-Chief] is not necessary for the files of Congress, I should 
be glad to have it deposited among my own papers. It may 
serve my grandchildren., some fifty or a hundred years hence, 
for a theme to ruminate upon, if they should be contempla- 
tively disposed." — Washington to Charles Thomson. 



'^Annapolis, February 7th. — With respect to your commission, I have to 
inform you, that, previous to the receipt of your letter, it had been in agi- 
tation among the members to have an order passed for returning it to you 
in a gold box. A motion has accordingly been made to that effect, which 
was received with general approbation, and referred to a committee to be 
drawn up in proper terms. The committee have not yet reported. But I 
have not the least doubt of its being returned to you in a way, that will be 
satisfactory ; and I heartily wish, that this sacred deposit may be preserved 
by your children and children's children to the latest posterity, and may 
prove an incentive to them to emulate the virtues of their worthy and great 
progenitor." — Charles Thomson to Washington. 

This intention, it seems, was never fulfilled. The original commission was 
retained, and is deposited in the Department of State of the United States. 



6 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " At length, my dear Marquis, I am 
become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac ; and 
under the shadow of my own vine and my own fig-tree, free 
from the bustle of a camp, and the busy scenes of public life, 
I am solacing myself with those tranquil enjoyments, of 
which the soldier, who is ever in pursuit of fame, the states- 
man, whose watchful days and sleepless nights are spent in 
devising schemes to promote the welfare of his own, per- 
haps the ruin of other countries, as if this globe was insuffi- 
cient for us all, and the courtier, who is always watching the 
countenance of his prince, in hopes of catching a gracious 
smile, can have very little conception." — Washington to the 
Marquis de Lafayette. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : On this day Washington set out 
for Fredericksburg, to pay a visit to his mother, which had 
been delayed on account of the severity of the weather. 
He did not retul'n until the 19th. 

"We have been so fast locked up in snow and ice since Christmas, that 
all kinds of intercourse have been suspended ; and a duty which I owed my 
mother, and intended ere this to have performed, has been forced to yield to 
the intemperance of the weather." — Washington to Charles Thomson, Janu- 
ary 22. 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20. 

At Mount Vernon : " I am just beginning to experience 
that ease and freedom from public cares, which, however 
desirable, takes some time to realize ; for, strange as it may 
seem, it is nevertheless true, that it was not till lately I could 
get the better of my usual custom of ruminating, as soon 
as I waked in the morning, on the business of the ensuing 
day ; and of my surprise at finding, after revolving many 
things in my mind, that I was no longer a public man, nor 
had anything to do with public transactions." — Washington 
to General Knox. 



1784] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 7 

THURSDAY, MAECH 25. 

At Mount Vernon : "I will frankly declare to you, my 
dear Doctor, that any memoirs of my life, distinct and un- 
connected with the general history of the war, would rather 
hurt my feelings than tickle my pride whilst I live. I had 
rather glide gently down the stream of life, leaving it to 
posterity to think and say what they please of me, than by 
any act of mine to have vanity or ostentation imputed to 
me." — Washington to Dr. James Qraik. 

The letter from which the above extract is made was in reply to an ap- 
plication made by a Mr. Bowie, through Dr. Craik, for permission to ex- 
amine such papers as would be necessary to enable him to prepare a memoir 
of the General, which he had in contemplation. Washington, deeming it 
improper to have the papers connected with his career during the Revolu- 
tion made public until Congress thought proper to open its archives to 
the historian, and as, in his opinion, no accurate history of his life could be 
written without consulting them, denied the request, not unwillingly, as it 
appears. 

MONDAY, APRIL 12. 

At Mount Vernon : " The estate of General Washington 
not being more than fifteen leagues from Annapolis I ac- 
cepted an invitation that he gave me to go and pass several 
days there, and it is from his house that I have the honor to 
write to you. After having seen him on my arrival in this 
continent, in the midst of his camp and in the tumult of 
arms, I have the pleasure to see him a simple citizen, enjoy- 
ing in the repose of his retreat the glory which he has so 
justly acquired. . . . He dresses in a gray coat like a Virginia 
farmer, and nothing about him recalls the recollection of 
the important part which he has played except the great 
number of foreigners who come to see him." — Chevalier de 
la Luzerne to Rayneval^ April 12, 1784. 

SATURDAY, MAY 1. 

At Philadelphia : "On Saturday last [May 1] his Excel- 
lency General Washington our late worthy and much re- 



8 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

spected Commander in Chief arrived in the city, from his 
seat in Virginia." — Pennsylvania Gazette^ May 5, 1784. 

"On Saturday, the first of May, the sons of St. Tammany* met at Mr. 
Pole's seat on Schuylkill in order to celebrate the day. The company having 
learned that general Washington dined with the financier general [Kobert 
Morris], they marched with the music before them to his door, where they 
halted and gave his excellency thirteen cheers, and at the same time thirteen 
cannon were fired on the banks of the Schuylkill." — Pennsylvania Packet, 
May 6, 1784. 

SATUKDAY, MAY 15. 

At Philadelphia : " We have been amazingly embarrassed 
in the business that brought us here. It is now drawing to 
a conclusion, and will soon be given to the public." — Wash- 
ington to Philip Schuyler. 

Washington visited Philadelphia at this time for the purpose of attending 
the first general meeting of the Cincinnati. The society met at the City 
Tavern, Second Street above Walnut, every morning at nine o'clock (Sun- 
days excepted) from Tuesday, May 4, to Tuesday, the 18th, when it adjourned. 
The session of the 18th was short, and Washington in all probability left for 
Mount Vernon the same day. 

The embarrassment in the business referred to by Washington arose from 
his desire to overcome the popular dissatisfaction excited by the institution 
of the society, produced mainly by the provision of hereditary distinction. 
He, therefore, submitted a paper to the meeting, suggesting alterations to 
the institution, and most of his suggestions were embodied in a proposed 
amended institution, which was recommended to the State societies for adop- 
tion. The State societies, however, regarding the prevailing excitement as 
a passing storm, withheld their approval and ratification of the proposed 
amendments, and the society stands now on the same footing that it did on 
its organization in 1783. 



* This society, organized for social purposes, took its name from Tama- 
NEND, an ancient Indian chief of the Lenni Lenape confederacy, remark- 
able for his good and noble qualities. The fame of this great man extended 
among the whites, and in the Revolutionary war his admirers among the 
Pennsylvania troops established him as the Patron Saint of America, under 
the name of St. Tamany. His festival was celebrated on the first day of 
May in every year. The noted political organization of New York, the 
" Tammany Society," derives its name from this chief. 



1784] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 9 

FKIDAT, MAY 21. 

At Annapolis, Maryland : " His excellency general Wash- 
ington arrived at Annapolis from Philadelphia the 21st. ult. 
and the next day set oft* for his seat in Virginia." — Pennsyl- 
vania Packet, June 8, 1784. 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " I did not hear of your late appoint- 
ment until I arrived at Annapolis, where I remained but 
one day, and that occasioned by the detention of my car- 
riage and horses on the Eastern Shore." — Washington to 
David Humphreys. 

David Humphreys, of Connecticut, an aide to Washington from 1780 
until he resigned his commission, accompanied him on his return to Mount 
Vernon, where he remained until the middle of January. He was the last 
officer of the army to take leave of the General. 

On the 12th of May, Colonel Humphreys was appointed secretary to the 
commission for negotiating treaties of commerce with foreign powers. He 
sailed from New York for France in July. The commission was composed 
of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. 

THUKSDAY, JUNE 24. 

At Alexandria, Virginia : Attends the Masonic festival of 
St. John the Baptist, and dines with the Master and breth- 
ren of Lodge INo. 39. The following record was made : 
" The Worshipful Master, with the unanimous consent of 
the brethren, was pleased to admit his Excellency General 
Washington, as an honorary member of Lodge Ko. 39." 

MONDAY, JULY 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " The General being in want of a 
House Joiner & Bricklayer who understand their respec- 
tive trades perfectly, would thank Mr. Rumney for en- 
quiring into the terms upon which such workmen might be 
engaged for two or three years." — Washington to William 
Rumney. 

At this time Washington was engaged in the prosecution of improve- 
ments at Mount Vernon, the principal being additions to the house origi- 



10 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

nally built by Lawrence "Washington (1744), which was of the old gable- 
roofed style, with only four rooms upon each floor. It was about one-third 
the size of the present building, and in the alteration it was made to occupy 
the central portion, the two ends having been built at the same time. The 
mansion, when completed by General Washington, at the close of 1785 (and 
as it now appears), was of the most substantial framework, two stories in 
height, ninety-six feet in length, thirty feet in depth, with a piazza fifteen 
feet in width, extending along the eastern or river front. 

Mr. "William Rumney, a shipping merchant of Alexandria, to whom the 
above-quoted letter was addressed, was about to leave for England, and 
hence the request. 

THURSDAY, JULY 15. 

At Mount Vernon : Answers an address of the General 
Assembly of Virginia, voted on the 22d of June, and pre- 
sented to him at Mount Vernon, a few days afterward, by 
a joint committee of the two Houses, headed by James 
Madison. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20. 

At Mount Vernon : " I thank you for your favor of the 
16th of June by the Marquis de Lafayette, who arrived here 
three days ago." — Washington to Count de Rochamheau. 

Lafayette arrived at New York on the 4th of August, after a passage of 
thirty-four days from France. He remained a short time in New York to 
receive the congratulations of the citizens, and also in Philadelphia, and 
then hastened forward to Mount Vernon, which place he reached, as stated, 
on the 17th. He stayed at Mount Vernon twelve days. 

"WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " September 1. — Having found it 
indispensably necessary to visit my Lauded property West 
of the Apalacheon Mountains, and more especially that part 
of it which I held [in Fayette County, Pennsylvania] in Co- 
partnership with M"" Gilbert Simpson. — Having determined 
upon a tour into that Country, — and having made the neces- 
sary preparations for it, — I did, on the first day of this 
Month (September) set out on my journey. 



1784] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 11 

" Having dispatched my equipage about 9 o'clock A.M. ; 
consisting of 3 Servants & 6 horses, three of which carried 
my Baggage, I set out myself in company with Doctor James 
Craik ; and after dining at M' Sampson Trammells (ab' 2 
Miles above the Falls Church) we proceeded to Difficulty 
Bridge, and lodged at one Shepherds Tavern 25 Miles." — 
Washingto7i's Diary. 

" September 2. — About 5 o'clock we set out from Shepherds ; and leaving 
the Baggage to follow slowly on, we arrived about 11 O'clock ourselves at 
Leesburgh where we Dined — The Baggage having joined we proceeded to 
M'' Israel Thompsons & lodged maks ab' 36 M. September 3. — Having 
business to transact with my Tenants in Berkeley ; & others were directed 
to meet me at my Brothers (Col° Charles Washington's*) I left Docf 
Craik and the Baggage to follow slowly, and set out myself about Sun Kise 
for that place — where after Breakfasting at Keys' ferry [on the Shenan- 
doah] I arrived about 11 O'clock— distant ab' 17 Miles. Col" Warner 
Washington,! M' Wormeley, Gen' [Daniel] Morgan, M'' Trickett and many 
other Gentlemen came here to see me. September 4. — Having finished mv 
business with my Tenants . . . and provided a Waggon for the transporta- 
tion of my Baggage to the Warm Springs (or Town of Bath) to give relief 
to my Horses, which from the extreme heat of the Weather began to Rub 
& gaul, I set out after dinner and reached Capt° Stroads a substantial farm- 
ers betw" Opecken [Opequan] Creek & Martinsburgh — distant by estimation 
14 Miles from my Brothers. September 5. — Dispatched my Waggon (with 
the Baggage) at daylight ; and at 7 o'clock followed it. — bated at one Snod- 
grasses, on Back Creek — and dined there, about 5 o'clock P.M. we arrived 
at the Springs — or Town of Bath [now Berkeley Springs, Morgan County, 
West Virginia] after travelling the whole day through a drizling Rain, 30 
Miles. ' ' — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. 

At Bath, Virginia : " September 6. — Remained at Bath all 
day, and was showed the Model of a Boat constructed by 
the ingenious M' [James] Rumsey for ascending rapid cur- 

* Charles Washington resided at what is now Charlestown, Jefferson 
County, West Virginia, laid out in 1786, and named from his Christian 
name. 

t A son of John Washington, the elder brother of Augustine, the father 
of General Washington. He resided at Fairfield, Frederick (now Clarke) 
County, Virginia. 



12 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION [1784 

rents by mechanism ; the principles of this were not only 
shown & fully explained to me, but to my very great satis- 
faction, exhibited in practice in private under the injunction 
of Secresy, until he saw the effect of an application he was 
about to Make to the Assembly of this State, for a reward. 
. . . Having obtained a Plan of this Town (Bath) and ascer- 
tained the situation of my lots therein . . . & M' Rumsey 
being willing to undertake those Buildings [a dwelling- 
house, kitchen, and stable], I have agreed with him to have 
them hnished by the lO*"* of next July." — Washington'' s 
Diary. 

" September 7. — Having hired three Pack horses — to give my own greater 
relief — I sent my Baggage of this day about one O'clock, and ordered those 
who had charge of it, to proceed to one Headricks at 15 Miles Creek, distant 
ah* ten Miles, to night, and to the old Town next day. September 8. — Set 
out about 7 o'clock with the Docf (Craik) his son William and my Nephew 
Bushrod "Washington, who were to make the tour with us, — about ten 

I parted with them at 15 Miles Creek, & recrossed the Potomack (having 
passed it ab* 3 Miles from the Springs before) to a tract of mine on the Vir- 
ginia Side, which I find exceedingly Kich, & must be very valuable. . . . 
After having reviewed this Land I again crossed the River [to Maryland] & 
getting into the waggon Road pursued my journey to the old Town where I 
overtook my Company & baggage — lodged at Col° [Thomas] Cresaps — ab' 
35 Miles this day. September 9. — The day proving rainy we remained here 
[Old Town]. September 10. — Set off a little after 5 oclock altho' the morn- 
ing was very unpromising, — finding from the Rains that had fallen, and 
description of the Roads, part of which between the old Town & this place 
(old Fort Cumberland) we had passed, that the progress of my Baggage 
would be tedeous, I resolved (it being necessary) to leave it to follow ; and 
proceed on myself to Gilbert Simpson's. . . . Accordingly, leaving Docf 
Craik, his Son, and My Nephew with it, I set out with one Servant only — 
dined at M' Gwins at the Fort [ ? Fork] of the Roads leaving [ ? leading] to 
Winchester and the old Town, distant from the latter ab' 20 Miles & lodged 
at Tumbersons [Tumbelson] at the little Meadows [Somerset County, Penn- 
sylvania] 15 Miles further. September 11. — Set out at half after 5 oclock 
from Tumbersons, & in about 1^ Miles came to what is called the little 
crossing of the Yohiogany. . . . Breakfasted at one Mounts or Mountains, 

II Miles from Tumbersons ; the Road being exceedingly bad, especially 
through what is called the Shades of death. — Bated at the great crossing 
[of the Youghiogheny River or Braddock's road, now Somerfield] which is 
a large Water, distant from Mounts' 9 Miles, and a better Road than be- 



1784] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 13 

tween that and Tumbersons — Lodged at one Daughertys a Mile & half short 
of the Great Meadows . . . distant from the crossing 12 Miles." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12. 

At Fayette County, Pennsylvania : " September 12. — ^Left 
Daughertys about 6 oclock — stopped awhile at the Great 
Meadows and viewed a tenement I have there ... is a very 
good stand for a Tavern. Dined at M' Thomas Gists [Mount 
Braddock] at the Foot of Laurel, distant from the Meadows 
12 Miles, and arrived at Gilbert Simpsons about 5 oclock 
12 Miles further." — Washington's Diary. 

The tenement at Great Meadows, in what is now Wharton Township, 
Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and which Washington considered " a very 
good stand for a Tavern," was on a tract of land containing two hundred 
and thirty-four acres, acquired by him in 1767. It included the site of 
Fort Necessity, a stockade hastily constructed by Washington, when a 
colonel in the Virginia service, to resist the attack of a superior body of 
French and Indians under the command of M. Coulan de Villiers, and made 
memorable by its surrender to that officer on July 3, 1754. The entire tract 
was sold by the executors of the last will and testament of Washington to 
Andrew Parks, of Baltimore. In the notes to the schedule attached to the 
will this property is referred to as follows : " This land is valuable on account 
of its local situation and other properties. — It affords an exceeding good 
stand on Braddock 's Road from Fort Cumberland to Pittsburgh and besides 
a fertile soil possesses a large quantity of natural meadow fit for the scythe. 
— It is distinguished by the appellation of the Great Meadows, where the 
first action with the French in the year 1754 was fought." 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13. 

At Fayette County, Pennsylvania : " September 13. — I vis- 
ited my Mill, and the several tenements on this Tract (on 
which Simpson lives) — I do not find the land in general equal 
to my expectations of it." — Washington's Diary. 

The tract referred to, "on which Simpson lives," comprised about six- 
teen hundred acres, and was situate at and near the present town of Pen-y- 
opolis, Perry Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It was located for 
Washington by Captain William Crawford in 1769, and was visited by him 
in 1770. Gilbert Simpson, who had superintended the erection of a mill on 



14 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

the premises, which, however, was not finished until the spring of 1776, 
seems also to have been a copartner in the management of the estate. The 
property was sold in 1795 to Colonel Israel Shreve, of New Jersey, under 
articles of agreement, and in 1802 the executors of the last will and testa- 
ment of "Washington conveyed it to the heirs of Colonel Shreve, who had 
died in 1799. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. 

At Fayette County, Pennsylvania: '-^September 14. — Re- 
mained at M' Gilbert Simpsons all day, — before ISToon Col° 
W" Butler and the officer Commanding the Garrison at 
Fort Pitt a Capt° Lucket came here — as they confirmed the 
reports of the discontented temper of the Indians and the 
Mischiefs done by some parties of them — and the former 
advised me not to prosecute my intended trip to the Great 
Kanahav^a, I resolved to decline it." — Washmc/ton's Diary. 

^'September 15. — This being the day appointed for the Sale of my moiety 
of the Co-partnership Stock — many People were gathered (more out of 
curiosity I believe than from other motives) but no great Sale made. — My 
Mill I could obtain no bid for. September 16. — Continued at Simpsons all 
day in order to finish the business which was begun yesterday — Gave leases 
to some of my Ten*^' on the Land whereon I now am, September 17. — De- 
tained here by a settled Eain the whole day — which gave me time to close 
my Ace" with Gilbert Simpson, & put a final end to my Partnership with 
him." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. 

At Washington County, Pennsylvania : " September 18. — 
Set out with Doct' Craik for my Land on Millers Run (a 
branch of Shurtees [Chartiers] Creek — crossed the Monon- 
gahela at Deboirs [Devore's] Ferry — 16 miles from Simp- 
sons — bated at one Hamiltons about 4 Miles from it, in 
Washington County and lodged at a Col° Cassons [Canon] 
on the Waters of Shurtees Creek — a kind, hospitable Man ; 
& sensible." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ September 19. — Being Sunday, and the People living on my land ap- 
parently very religious, it was thought best to postpone going among them 
till to-morrow." — Washington's Diary. 



1784] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 15 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. 

At Washington County, Pennsylvania : " September 20. — 
Went early this Morning to view my Land & to receive the 
final determination of those who live upon it." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

The land on Miller's Run, in what is now Mount Pleasant Township, 
Washington County, Pennsylvania, was held by Washington under a mili- 
tary patent from Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia. It comprised two 
thousand eight hundred and thirteen acres, and was described as "being in 
Augusta County, Vir. on the waters of Miller's Run, one of the branches 
of Chartiers Creek, a branch of the Ohio." A number of families (Scotch- 
Irish) had settled on this land, and Washington passed most of Monday, 
September 20, in endeavoring to arrange with them for the purchase of the 
whole tract. No agreement, however, could be made, and subsequently 
ejectment suits were brought, which were successful. The tract was sold in 
June, 1796, for twelve thousand dollars. 

Washington passed the night of the 20th at the house of Colonel John 
Canon, the site of the present Canonsburg, laid out in 1787. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21. 

Leaves Washington County : " September 21. — Accompa- 
nied by Col° Casson & Capt° Swearingin [sherifl:' of the 
county] who attended me to Debores ferry on the Monon- 
gahela which seperates the Counties of Fayette & Washing- 
ton, I returned to Gilbert Simpson's in the afternoon ; after 
dining at one Wickermans [Wickerham's] Mill near the 
Monongahela." — Washington's Diary. 



" September 22. — After giving instructions to Major Thomas Freeman re- 
specting his conduct in my business, and disposing of my Baggage which 
was left under the care of M' Gilbert Simpson ... I set out for Beason 
[Beeson] Town [now Uniontown, the county-seat of Fayette County] in 
order to meet with & engage M' Tho^ Smith to bring Ejectments & to prose- 
cute my Suit for the Land in Washington County. . . . Reached Beason 
Town about dusk (about the way I came) 18 Miles . . . my Baggage under 
the care of Docf Craik and Son, having, from Simpsons, taken the Rout by 
the New (or Turkey foot) Road as it is called (which is said to be 20 Miles 
near than Braddocks). . . . My Nephew and I set out about Noon [on the 
23d], with one Col" Philips for Cheat River." — Washington's Diary. 



16 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23. 

At Fayette County, Pennsylvania : " September 23. — Ar- 
rived at Col° Philips ab' five oclock in the afternoon 16 
Miles from Beason Town & near the Mouth of Cheat 
River. . . . 

" Septetnber 24. — Set of in the Morning of the 24"" (ac- 
companied by Col° Phihps) and crossed it [Cheat River] at 
the Mouth, as it was thought the River was too much swelled 
to attempt the ford a little higher up." — Washington's Diary. 

Washington passed the night of the 24th at the house of Captain Samuel 
Hanway, about three miles south of Cheat River, in Monongalia County, 
Virginia, now West Virginia. Captain Hanway was the surveyor of Mo- 
nongalia County. On the 25th he resumed his journey, setting out before 
sunrise and lodging that night in the rain, with no shelter or cover other 
than his cloak. On the 26th he reached a Mr. Logston's, and left a little after 
daybreak on the following day, crossing the Stony River after a ride of four 
miles, gaining at ten miles "the summit of the Alligany Mountain," and 
arriving at " Col" Abrah"" Hites at Fort pleasant on the South Branch [of 
the Potomac] about 35 miles from Logstons a little before the Suns setting," 
where he remained all of the next day, the 28th. 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29. 

Leaves Fort Pleasant, Virginia : " September 29. — Having 
appointed to join Docf Craik and my Baggage at CoP 
"Warner Washingtons, but finding it required only one day 
more to take the Rout of M' Tho' Lewis's (near Stanton) 
... I sent my Nephew Bushrod Washington to that place 
to request the Docf to proceed & accompanied by Capt° Hite 
son to the Colonel I set out for Rockingham, in which 
county M' Lewis now lives since the division of Augusta." 
— Washington's Diarg. 

The night of the 29th was passed on the North Fork of the Shenandoah, 
at the house of one " Fishwaters in Brocks gap, about Eight Miles from the 
foot of the Mountain — 12 from Rudibort's [where he had dined] & 36 from 
Colon' Hites," arriving at Mr. Lewis's on the 30th "about Sundown, after 
riding about 40 Miles — leaving Rockingham C House to the right about 2 
Miles." Washington remained at Mr. Lewis's until October 2, setting off 
very early on that day, accompanied by Mr. Lewis, " to the foot of the bleu 



1784] 



WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 17 



Ridge at Swift run gap, 10 Miles," where he baited and proceeded over the 
mountain, lodging at night at a Widow Yearly's, twelve miles farther. On 
the following day, October 3, he took breakfast at Culpeper Court-House, 
and lodged at Captain John Ashby's. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 4. — Notwithstanding a good 
deal of Rain fell in the !N'ight and the continuance of it this 
morning (which lasted till about 10 oclock) I breakfasted by 
Candlelight, and Mounted my horse soon after day break : 
& having Capt" Ashby for a guide thro' the intricate part 
of the Road (which ought tho' I missed it, to have been by 
Prince William old Court H°) I arrived at Colchester,* 30 
Miles to Dinner ; and reached home before Sun down ; 
having travelled on the same horses since the first day of 
September by the computed distances 680 Miles." — Wash- 
ingtoii's Diary. 

An interesting description of Washington and the life at Mount Yernon 
at this period has been written by Charles Varlo, an Englishman, who 
visited this country in 1784. Landing at Philadelphia on July 23 of that 
year, Mr. Varlo made an excursion to the eastward as far as Boston, and 
afterward journeyed to the southward, arriving at Mount Yernon in the 
month of October. The following is transcribed from vol. ii., p. 90, of his 
work, entitled "Floating Ideas of Nature, suited to the Philosopher, Farmer, 
and Mechanic," published at London in 1796 : 

" I crossed the river from Maryland into Yirginia, near to the renowned 
General Washington's, where I had the honour to spend some time, and 
was kindly entertained with that worthy family. As to the General, if we 
may judge by the countenance, he is what the world says of him, a shrewd, 
good-natured, plain, humane man, about fifty-five years of age, and seems 
to wear well, being healthful and active, straight, well made, and about six 
feet high. He keeps a good table, which is always open to those of a genteel 
appearance. He does not use many Frenchified congees, or flattering useless 
words without meaning, which savours more of deceit than an honest 
heart; but on the contrarj', his words seem to point at truth and reason, and 
to spring from the fountain of a heart, which being good of itself, cannot 
be suspicious of others, till facts unriddle designs, which evidently appeared 
to me by a long tale that he told me about Arnold's manoeuvres, far-fetched 
schemes, and deep-laid designs, to give him and his army up, above a month 

* Ten miles southwest of Mount Vernon. 
2 



C 



18 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

before the affair happened ; and though he said he wondered at many things 
that he observed in Arnold's conduct, yet he had not the least suspicion of 
any treachery going on, till the thing happened, and then he could trace 
back and see through his intentions from the beginning ; which, from the 
General's behaviour to him, I am well apprized, seems to be the highest sin 
of ingratitude that a man could be guilty of. 

"The General's house is rather warm, snug, convenient, and useful, than 
ornamental. The size is what ought to suit a man of about two or three 
thousand a year in England. The out-offices are good, and seem to be not 
long built ; and he was making more offices at each wing to the front of the 
house, which added more to ornament than real use. The situation is high, 
and commands a beautiful prospect of the river which parts Virginia and 
Maryland, but in other respects the situation seems to be out of the world, 
being chiefly surrounded by woods, and far from any great road or thorough- 
fare, and nine miles from Alexandria in Virginia. The General's lady is a 
hearty, comely, discreet, affable woman, some few years older than himself; 
she was a widow when he married her. He has no children by her. The 
General's house is open to poor travellers as well as rich ; he gives diet and 
lodging to all that come that way, which indeed cannot be many, without 
they go out of their way on purpose. . . . 

" I have travelled and seen a great deal of the world, have conversed with 
all degrees of people, and have remarked that there are only two persons in 
the world which have every one's good word, and those are — the Queen of 
England and General "Washington, which I never heard friend or foe speak 
slightly of." 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBEK 14. 

At Richmond, Virginia : " Last Sunday [November 14], 
in the afternoon, came to this city, his Excellency General 
George Washington, Esq. The next day was ushered in with 
the discharge of thirteen cannon, when every countenance 
showed the most heartfelt gladness on seeing our illustrious 
and beloved General in the Capital of the State, and in the 
bosom of peace. In the evening the city was illuminated 
and every demonstration of joy was shown on the pleasing 
occasion. The corporation of the city waited on his Excel- 
lency with an address, which he answered." — Richmond 
jpajper^ N"ovember 20, 1784. 

" On Thursday [November 18], the merchants of the city gave an elegant 
dinner to his Excellency General Washington ; the same day came from 
Boston, the Marquis de la Fayette, accompanied with Captain Grandchain, 



1784] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 19 

of the navy of his most Christian Majesty, and the Chevalier Caraman. 
The two Houses of Assembly appointed committees to wait upon his Excel- 
lency and the Marquis de la Fayette, who severally addressed them." — Idem. 

FKIDAY, NOVEMBEK 19. 

At Richmond : " Last night [November 19] the corpora- 
tion of the city gave an elegant ball in honor to our illus- 
trious and much beloved visitor General Washington." — 
Richmond jpaper, [N'ovember 20, 1784. 

Washington visited Richmond for the purpose of meeting the Marquis de 
Lafayette, who, after leaving Mount Vernon in August, had made a tour 
of the Eastern States. At Boston he embarked on board the French frigate 
"Nymphe, " for the Chesapeake Bay, and landed at Yorktown. He met 
"Washington at Richmond on the 18th of November (as stated) and accom- 
panied him to Mount Vernon, where he made a second visit of about a week. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " I have had the honor to receive 
your favor of the 11th of June, accompanied with your 
Remarks and Inquiries concerning America. The honorable 
mention, which you make of me in both, is far above my 
deserts. ... It is a matter of regret to me, that my want 
of knowledge in the French language will not allow me to 
become acquainted with all the beauties of your Spectator." 
— Washington to Joseph Mandrillon. 

Joseph Mandrillon was born at Bourg-en-Bresse, France, in 1742. Hav- 
ing embraced the mercantile profession, he established himself at Amster- 
dam, from whence he made a voyage to the United States, and afterward 
published the results of his observations in a 12mo volume, entitled " Le 
Spectateur Am^ricain," Amsterdam, 1784, a copy of which he seems to have 
sent to Washington. From his "Portrait of General Washington" in this 
book we make the following extract : 

" If ever mortal enjoyed his whole reputation during his lifetime, if ever 
a citizen has found in his own country a reward for his services and abilities, 
it is my hero ; every where feted, admired, caressed, he every where sees 
hearts eager to render him homage ; if he enters a town, or if he passes 
through a village, old and young men, women and children, all follow him 
with acclamations ; all load him with blessings ; in every heart he has a 
temple consecrated to respect and friendship. How I love to imagine to 
myself the French general (M. de Rochambeau) equally the idol and the 



20 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

hero of his army, saying at table as he sat near Washington, that he had 
never known wbat true glory was, nor a truly great man, until he became 
acquainted with him. When America, overthrown by the dreadful revolu- 
tions of nature, shall no longer exist, it will be remembered of Washington, 
that he was the defender of liberty, the friend of man, and the avenger of 
an oppressed people. ' ' 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29. 

At Annapolis, Maryland : " On Monday, the 29th of No- 
vember, 1784, general Washington arrived at Annapolis, 
accompanied by the Marquis de la Fayette. On the day 
following, the general assembly of this State, being then in 
session, to manifest their gratitude and attachment to those 
distinguished men, directed an elegant ball to be provided 
for their entertainment. The evening was crowned with 
the utmost joy and festivity, the whole company being made 
happy by the presence of two most amiable and all-accom- 
plished men, to whom America is so deeply indebted for 
her preservation from tyranny and oppression." — Annals of 
Annapolis. 

At Annapolis, Washington bade a final adieu to Lafayette. From thence 
the marquis proceeded to Trenton, where Congress was then sitting, reach- 
ing that place on December 8. On the 25th of the month he embarked at 
New York for France, on board the frigate " Nymphe." 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " I met the Marquis de La Fayette at 
Richmond — brought him to this place, conducted him to 
Annapolis, saw him on the road to Baltimore, and returned." 

— Washington to General Knox. 

" December 8. — The peregrination of the day in which I parted from you 
ended at Marlborough [Maryland] . The next day, bad as it was, I got home 
before dinner. In the moment of our separation, upon the road as I travelled, 
and every hour since, I have felt all that love, respect, and attachment for 
you, with which length of years, close connexion, and your merits have in- 
spired me. I often asked myself, as our carriages separated, whether that was 
the last sight I ever should have of you ?" — Washhigton to the Marquis de 
Lafayette. 



1784] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 21 

TUESDAY, DECEMBEK 14. 

At Mount Vernon : " The Assemblies of Virginia and 
Maryland have now under consideration the extension of 
the inland navigation of the rivers Potomac and James, and 
opening a communication between them and the western 
waters. They seem fully impressed with the political as 
well as the commercial advantages, which would result from 
the accomplishment of these great objects, and I hope will 
embrace the present moment to put them in a train for 
execution." — Washington to Richard Henry Lee. 



The importance of connecting the western with the eastern territory by 
a system of inland navigation had from an early period attracted the atten- 
tion of Washington, and prior to the Kevolution he had made some efforts to 
bring the subject to public notice. During his western trip in September 
the matter was constantly in his mind, and after his return he wrote a long 
letter to Benjamin Harrison, Governor of Virginia, in which he detailed 
the advantages, both in a commercial and political point of view, which 
might be derived from opening the Potomac and James Elvers as high as 
should be practicable. This letter was communicated to the Assembly of 
Virginia, and led to the organization of the James Eiver and Potomac Canal 
Companies. Thus it will be seen that during the first year after the close 
of the Revolution, "Washington set in motion that vast scheme of internal 
improvements which has had a powerful and salutary influence upon the 
destinies of the country. 



THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23. 

At Annapolis : "I am here [since December 20] with 
General Gates, at the request of the Assembly of Virginia 
to fix matters with the Assembly of this State respecting 
the extension of the inland navigation of the Potomac, 
and the communication between it and the western waters." 
— Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette. 



An exact conformity between the acts of Virginia and of Maryland 
being indispensable to the improvement of the Potomac, Washington was 
requested to wait upon the Assembly of Maryland, in order to agree on a 
bill which might receive the sanction of both States. 



22 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1784 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28. 

At Annapolis : " The proceedings of the conference, and 
the Act & Resolutions of this Legislature consequent there- 
upon (herewith transmitted to the Assembly) are so full & 
explanatory of the motives which governed in this business, 
that it is scarcely necessary for me to say any thing in addi- 
tion to them ; except that this State seem highly impressed 
with the importance of the objects w'ch we have had under 
consideration, — and are very desirous of seeing them ac- 
complished. . . . 

" It is now near 12 at Night, and I am writing with an 
Aching head, having been constantly employed in this busi- 
ness since the 22d, without assistance from my Colleagues 
— Gen'l Gates having been sick the whole time & Co? 
Blackburn not attending." — Washington to James Madison. 

" I am just returned from Annapolis to which place I was requested to go 
by our Assembly (with my bosom friend Genl. G — tes, who being at Eich- 
mond contrived to edge himself into the commission) for the purpose of 
arranging matters and framing a Law which should be similar in both States, 
so far as it respected the river Potomack which separates them. I met the 
most perfect accordance in that legislature ; and the matter is now reported 
to ours, for its consideration." — Washington to General Knox, January 5, 
1785. 



1785. 



SATUKDAY, JANUARY 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 1. — Col" Bassett, who 
brought his daughter Fanny to this place to remain on the 
24*'' of last Month set off on his return to the Assembly 
now sitting at Richmond." — Washington's Diary. 

Colonel Burwell Bassett, of " Eltham," New Kent County, Virginia, mar- 
rie for a second wife Anna Maria Dandridge, a sister of Mrs. Washington. 
His daughter Fanny married George Augustine Washington, a nephew of 
General Washington (son of his brother Charles), at Mount Vernon, 
October 15, 1785. 

MONDAY, JANUARY 3. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 3. — Docf Stuart — his wife 
— Betcy & Patcy Custis who had been here since the 27"" 
Ulto returned home." — Washington's Diary. 

" Betcy & Patcy Custis" (Eliza Parke and Martha Parke Custis) were the 
eldest children of Mrs. Dr. Stuart, by her first husband, John Parke Custis, 
the son of Mrs. Washington, who died November 5, 1781. The younger 
children, Eleanor (" Nelly") Parke and George Washington Parke, had 
been adopted by Washington and were living at Mount Vernon. With the 
exception of the latter, all the others were born at " Abingdon," a planta- 
tion on the Potomac River immediately above Alexandria, and where the 
family were living at this time. Dr. David Stuart married Mrs. Custis, who 
was the daughter of Benedict Calvert, of Mount Airy, Prince George's 
County, Maryland, in the fall of 1783. He was a frequent visitor at Mount 
Vernon, and was held in much respect by Washington. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 19. — Employed until din- 
ner in laying out my Serpentine Road & Shrubberies ad- 
joining. — Just as we had done dinner a M' "Watson — ^late of 
the House of Watson & Cossoul of Nantes — came in, and 

23 



24 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

stayed all Night. January 20. — M' Watson went away after 

breakfast." — Washington's Diary. 

"I had feasted my imagination for several days in the near prospect of 
a visit to Mount Vernon, the seat of Washington. No pilgrim ever ap- 
proached Mecca with deeper enthusiasm. I arrived there, in the afternoon 
of January 23d [?] '85. ... I found him at table with Mrs. Washington 
and his private family, and was received in the native dignity and with that 
urbanity so peculiarly combined in the character of a soldier and eminent 
private gentleman. He soon put me at ease, by unbending in a free and 
affable conversation. . . . 

"The first evening I spent under the wing of his hospitality, we sat a 
full hour at table by ourselves, without the least interruption, after the 
family had retired. I was extremely oppressed by a severe cold and exces- 
sive coughing, contracted by the exposure of a harsh winter journey. He 
pressed me to use some remedies, but I declined doing so. As usual after 
retiring, my coughing increased. When some time had elapsed, the door 
of my room was gently opened, and on drawing my bed-curtains, to my 
utter astonishment, I beheld Washington himself, standing at my bed-side, 
with a bowl of hot tea in his hand." — Memoirs of Elkanah Watson. 

THURSDAY, JANUAEY 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 27. — Made M'' k M" Lund 
Washington a morning visit — from thence I went to Bel- 
voir and viewed the ruined buildings of that place." — 
Washington's Diary. 

Lund Washington, manager of the Mount Vernon estate during the Rev- 
olution, was a third cousin of General Washington. He resided at " Hay- 
field, ■ ' a plantation about four miles northwest of Mount Vernon. ' ' Belvoir, ' ' 
the estate and residence of Sir William Fairfax, a cousin and agent of Lord 
Thomas Fairfax, the owner of an immense landed estate in the Northern 
Neck of Virginia, was situated on the Potomac, four miles below Mount 
Vernon. On the death of Sir William in 1757, it descended to his son 
George William Fairfax, the friend and neighbor of George Washington. 
Mr. Fairfax went to England in 1773, and died at Bath, April 3, 1787. As 
he had no children, "Belvoir" was devised to Ferdinando, the son of his 
brother, the Rev. Bryan Fairfax. The mansion-house was destroyed by fire 
shortly after his leaving America. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 2. — Employed myself (as 
there could be no stirring without) in writing Letters by the 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 25 

Post and in Signing 83 Diplomas for the members of the 
Society of the Cincinnati — and sent them to the care of 
Co? Fitzgerald in Alexandria — to be forwarded to General 
[Otho H.] Williams of Baltimore — the Assistant Secretary 
of the Society." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " Captain Haskell, in the ship Mary, 
arrived at Alexandria a few days ago ; but a frost, which at 
present interrupts the navigation of the river, has prevented 
my sending for the chimney-piece. By the number of cases, 
however, I greatly fear it is too elegant and costly for my 
room and republican style of living." — Washington to Benja- 
min Vaughan, at London. 

This chimney-piece, one of the special ornaments of the mansion at 
Mount Vernon, was originally made for Samuel Vaughan, a resident of 
London, and a great admirer of Washington. It was wrought in Italy 
from the finest white and sienite marhles for Mr. Vaughan 's own use. At 
the time of its arrival in England, that gentleman was informed of the im- 
provements then in progress at Mount Vemon, and, without unpacking it, 
he directed his son (Benjamin Vaughan) to send it at once to Washington. 
An interesting description of this work of art will be found in Lossing's 
" Mount Vernon and its Associations." 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12. 

At Alexandria, Virginia: ^'•February 12. — Received an 
Invitation to the Funeral of W™ Ramsay Esq' of Alexandria 
— the oldest Inhabitant of the Town ; & went up — walked in 
procession as a free mason — M'' Ramsay in his life time being 
one & now buried with the ceremony & honors due to one." 
— Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 22. — Removed two pretty 
large & full-grown lilacs to the l!^" Garden gate — one on 
each side taking up as much dirt with the roots as c** be well 
obtained. ... I also removed from the woods and old fields, 
several young trees of the sassafras, Dogwood & Redbud, to 



26 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

the Shrubbery on the N" side the grass plot. February 28. 
— Planted all the Mulberry trees, Maple trees, k Black gums 
in my Serpentine walks — and the Poplars on the right walk." 

— Washington's Diary. 

Washington took great pleasure in planting trees and shrubbery, and the 
diaries of 1785-86 show that in these years he was much engaged in that 
business. On the west front of the mansion he laid out a fine lawn upon a 
level surface of about twenty acres, and around it made a serpentine car- 
riage-way, on each side of which he planted a great variety of shade-trees, 
some of which are still standing. The lawn, the oval grass-plot, and the 
gardens were laid out according to a plan drawn by himself, and still remain 
unchanged as to form. 

TUESDAY, MAKCH 8. 

At Mount Vernon : " Some imperfect miniature cuts I 
send you under cover with this letter. They were designed 
for me by Miss D' Hart of Elizabeth town, and given to 
Mrs. Washington, who, in sparing them, only wishes they 
may answer your purpose. For her I can get none cut yet." 

— Washington to William Gordon. 

A silhouette published in volume four of the illustrated edition of Irving's 
" Life of Washington," inscribed " From the original (cut with scissors) by 
Miss De Hart, Elizabeth town, N. J. 1783," is, we presume, a reproduction 
of one of the " imperfect miniature cuts" referred to in the above letter. It 
is extremely unlike any known profile of Washington. Miss De Hart vis- 
ited Mount Vernon in October, 1786. She remained from the 26th to the 
28th. 

SUNDAY, MAKCH 20. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 20. — Major Jenefir came 
here to dinner — and my carriage went to Gunston Hall to 
take Co? Mason to a meeting of Com" at Alexandria for 
settling the Jurisdiction of Chesapeak Bay & the River 
Potomack & Pocomoke between the States of Virginia & 
Maryland. — The Commissioners on the Part of Virginia 
being Col" [George] Mason — The Attorney General [Ed- 
mund Randolph] — M' [James] Madison & M'^ [Alexander] 
Henderson — on that of Maryland, Major [Daniel of St. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 27 

Thomas] Jenifer, Thom^ Johnson, Tho^ Stone & Sam^ Chase 
Esq". March 21. — Major Jenifer left this for Alexandria 
after Dinner." — Washington'' s Diary. 

TUESDAY, MAKCH 22. 

At Alexandria : " March 22. — Went to Alexandria — 
dined & returned in the Evening." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, MARCH 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 24. — Sent my Carriage to 
Alexandria for Col" Mason according to appointment — who 
came in, about dusk. March 25. — About One o'clock 
Major Jenifer, M"" Stone, M"^ Chase, & M' Alex' Henderson 
arrived here. March 27. — M"^ Henderson went to Col- 
chester after dinner to return in the morning." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

MONDAY, MARCH 28. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 28. — M' Henderson returned 
to the Meeting of the Commissioners ab* 10 Oclock — and 
M'' Chase went away after dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

The commissioners,* after preparing the terms of a compact between Vir- 
ginia and Maryland for the jurisdiction over the waters of the Chesapeake 
Bay and the rivers that were common to both States, took up matters of 
general policy, and decided to recommend to the two States a uniformity of 
duties on imports, a uniformity of commercial regulations, and a uniformity 
of currency. From this resulted (January, 1786) a proposition from Virginia 
that a convention from all the States should be held to regulate the restric- 
tions on commerce for the whole, the commissioners to meet at Annapolis 
on the first Monday in September, 1786. The invitations to the States were 
made through the executive of Virginia, although Maryland had made 
(December, 1785) the first move in the matter. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 29. — Major Jenifer, M' 
Stone and M' Henderson went away before breakfast & 

* Three of the commissioners, Edmund Randolph and James Madison on 
the part of Virginia, and Thomas Johnson on the part of Maryland, were 
not present at any of the meetings either at Alexandria or Mount Vernon. 



28 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

Col° Mason (in my Carriage) after it; by tlie return of 
whieh he sent me some young Shoots of the Persian Jessa- 
mine & Guilder Rose." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, APRIL 18. 

At Alexandria : " April 18. — Rid to Alexandria to the 
Election of Delagates for this County and dined at Col" 
Fitzgeralds — Co? Lynne & Doct' Stewart were chosen, — & 
for whom I gave my support." — Washington'' s Diary. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 21. 

At Abingdon, Virginia : " Ajoril 21. — After an early din- 
ner, I went up in my Barge to Abingdon, in order to bring 
M'' John Lewis (who had lain there sick for more than two 
months) down — Took my Instruments, with intent to Sur- 
vey the Land I hold by purchase on 4 Mile Run [three 
miles above Alexandria] of Geo : & Ja° Mercer Esqr^ Called 
at Alexandria & staid an hour or two." — Washington's 
Diary. 

' ' April 22. — Took an early breakfast at Abingdon ; & accompanied by 
Docf Stewart & Lund Washington, and having sent for M' Moses Ball 
(who attended) ; I went to a Corner of the above Land, within about 3 poles 
of the Run (4 Miles Run) a white Oak, 18 inches in diameter, on the side 
of a hill ab' 150 yards below the Ruins of an old Mill & 100 below a small 
Branch which comes in on the N' E"^ side, — and after having Run one course 
& part of another. My Servant William * (one of the Chain Carriers) fell, 
and broke the pan of his knee w""* put a stop to my surveying ; & with much 
difficulty I was able to get him to Abingdon, being obliged to get a sled to 
carry him on, as he could neither Walk, stand, or Ride : — At M' Adams 
Mill I took Lund Washingtons horse & came home." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " April 24. — An Express arrived with 
the ace* of the Deaths of M" Dandridge & M' B.[artholo- 

* William (" Billy") Lee was Washington's body-servant during the Rev- 
olutionary war. He survived his master, who, by his will, gave him his 
freedom and an annuity of thirty dollars. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 29 

mew] Dandridge, the Mother and Brother of M" "Washing- 
ton." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, APEIL 28. 

At Mount Vernon : " April 28. — To Dinner M'' Pine a 
pretty eminent Portrait & Historical Painter arrived in 
order to take my picture from the life & to plan it in the 
Historical pieces he was about to draw, — This Gentleman 
stands in good estimation as a Painter in England ; — comes 
recommended to me from CoP Fairfax — M' Morris — Gov' 
Dickenson — M' Hopkinson & others." — Washington's Diary. 

Kobert Edge Pine, a painter of considerable merit, was bom in London 
in the year 1742. He came to America in 1784, for the purpose of obtaining 
pori;raits of the heroes and patriots of the Eevolution, in order to introduce 
them in historical pictures commemorating the events of that period. Pine 
remained three weeks at Mount Vernon, leaving May 19, and besides that 
of "Washington, painted also the portraits of the two grandchildren of Mrs. 
Washington. He died at Philadelphia, November 19, 1788, before carrying 
out his design of painting the historical pictures. 

FKIDAY, APKIL 29. 

Leaves Mount Yernon : " April 29. — I set off for the ap- 
pointed meeting of the Dismal Swamp Company * at Eich- 
mond. — Dined at Dumfries & lodged at My Sister Lewis's t 
(after visiting at my Mother) in Fredericksburgh." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

'^^ April 30. — Dined at General [Alexander] Spotswoods, and lodged at 
M'' Jn" Baylor's (New Market). May 1 — Took a late breakfast at Hanover 
C House — Went from thence to M'' Peter Lyon's where I intended to dine, 
but neither he nor M" Lyon being at home, I proceeded to, & arrived at 

* In January, 1764, a company was formed and chartered by the Legisla- 
ture of Virginia for the purpose of draining and rendering fit for cultivation 
the Great Dismal Swamp, between Norfolk and Albemarle Sound. Wash- 
ington was one of the company. In October, 1763, he penetrated the swamp 
and examined it in various parts. 

f Washington's sister Betty married Colonel Fielding Lewis, of Fredericks- 
burg, in 1760. Colonel Lewis died December, 1781. 



30 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

Kichmond about 6 oclock in the aftern" — Supped, & lodged, at the Govern- 
ors [Patrick Henry]." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, MAY 2. 

At Richmond : " May 2. — Received, and accepted an in- 
vitation to dine with the Sons of Saint Taminy, at M' 
Andersons Tavern, and accordingly did so, at 3 oclock. 
About IS^oon, having assembled a sufficient number of the 
Proprietors of the Swamp, we proceeded to business in the 
Senate Chamber; & continued thereon 'till dinner, when 
we adjourned 'till nine oclock next day." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'■'■May 3. — Met according to adjournment, & finished the business by 3 
oclock — Dinner at the Governors. May 4. — After doing a little business, & 
calling upon Judge Mercer and the Attorney General, I left Kichmond about 
11 oclock — Dined at one Winslow's ab* 8 Miles from the City, & lodged at 
Clarks Tavern 10 Miles above Hanover Court House. May 5. — Breakfasted 
at Bowling Green — Dined with my Sister Lewis in Fredericksburgh — spent 
half an hour with my Mother — and lodged at Stafford C* House (at one 
Taylors Tavern). May 6. — Breakfasted at Dumfries, & dined at home." — 
Washingtofi' s Diary. 

SUNDAY, MAY 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 15. — General [John] Cadwal- 
lader came here yesterday. May 17. — General Cadwallader 
went away after Breakfast." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, MAY 17. 

At Alexandria : " May 17. — I went to Alexandria to the 
appointed meeting of the Subscribers to the Potomack 
Navigation. Upon comparing & examining the Books of 
the different Managers, it was found, including the Sub- 
scriptions in behalf of the two States, & the 50 Shares which 
the Assembly of Virginia had directed to be Subscribed for 
me (& which I then declared I would only hold in trust for 
the State) that their were 403 Shares Subscribed; which 
being more than sufficient to constitute the Company under 
the Act — the Subscribers proceeded to the choice of a 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 31 

President & 4 Directors ; — the first of which fell upon me 
the votes for the other four fell upon [Ex] Governors 
[Thomas] Johnson & [Thomas Sim] Lee of Maryland — and 
Colonels [John] Fitzgerald & [George] Gilpin of this State. 
— Dined at Lomaxs and returned in the afternoon." — 
Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAT, MAY 26. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 26. — Upon my return [from 
riding to the plantations] found M' Magowan, and a Doct' 
Coke & a M"" Asbury here — the two last Methodist Preachers 
recommended by Gen^ Roberdeau — the same who were ex- 
pected yesterday. . . . After Dinner M' Coke & M' Asbury 
went away." — Washingto7i's Diary. 

'■'■May 26. — Mr. Asbury [Francis Asbury, Bishop of the M. E. Church] 
and I set off for General Washington's. We were engaged to dine there the 
day before. The General's seat is very elegant ; built upon the great river 
Potomawk ; for the improvement of the navigation of which, he is carrying 
on jointly with the State some amazing Plans. He received us very politely, 
and was very open to access. He is quite the plain, Country-Gentleman. 
After dinner we desired a private interview, and opened to him the grand 
business on which we came, presenting to him our petition for the emancipa- 
tion of the Negroes, and entreating his signature, if the eminence of his 
station did not render it inexpedient for him to sign any petition. He in- 
formed us that he was of our sentiments, and had signified his thoughts on 
the subject to most of the great men of the State ; that he did not see it 
proper to sign the petition, but if the Assembly took it into consideration, 
would signify his sentiments to the Assembly by a letter. He asked us to 
spend the evening and lodge at his house, but our engagement at Annapolis 
the following day Avould not admit of it. We returned that evening to 
Alexandria." — Journal of the Rev. Thomas Coke. 

MONDAY, MAY 30. 

At Alexandria : " May 30. — I went to Alexandria to meet 
the Directors of the Potomack C" — Dined at Col" Fitzger- 
ald and Returned in the Evening." — Washington's Diary. 

SATUKDAY, JUNE 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " June 4. — In the Afternoon the cel- 
ebrated M" Macauly Graham & M"" Graham her Husband 



32 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

arrived here. June 8. — Placed my Military Records into the 
Hands of M" Macauly Graham for her perusal & amuse- 
ment. June 14. — About 7 oclock M"^ Graham & M" Ma- 
cauly left this on their Return to New York — I accompanied 
them to M'" Digges's * to which place I had her Carriage & 
horses put over — M'Digges escorted her to Bladensburgh." 
— Washington's Diary. 

Mrs. Catharine Macaulay Graham, historian and controversialist, was 
the youngest daughter of John Sawbridge, Esq., of Olantigh, Kent, Eng- 
land. Her first husband (1760) was Dr. George Macaulay, her second (1778) 
"William Graham. Her most famous production was the " History of Eng- 
land from the Accession of James I. to that of the Brunswick Line," eight 
volumes, 1763-1783, which attracted great attention at the time, but has 
now dropped into oblivion. Her visit to America was solely for the purpose 
of seeing Washington, with whom she had previously maintained a corre- 
spondence. She died in 1791, at the age of sixty. 

THUKSDAY, JUNE 30. 

At Mount Vernon : " June 30. — Dined with only M'* 
"Washington which I believe is the first instance of it since 
my retirement from public life." — Washington's Diary. 

FEIDAY, JULY 1. 

At Alexandria : " July 1. — ^Went to Alexandria to a meet- 
ing of the Board of Directors, who by Advertisement were 
to attend this day for the purpose of agreeing with a Mana- 
ger and two assistants to conduct the Undertaking of the 
Potomack l!^avigation — but no person applying with proper 
Credentials the Board gave the applicants until thursday 
the 14th to provide these & for others to offer. 

" Returned in the Evening accompanied by CoP Bassett 
& Col" Spait [Richard D. Spaight], a Member of Congress 
for the State of IST" Carolina." — Washington's Diary. 

* Mr. George Digges was a wealthy planter on the Potomac, in Prince 
George's County, Maryland. His estate, known as " Warburton," was in 
full view of the mansion at Mount Vernon, and the intercourse between the 
two families was frequent and very friendly. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 33 

TUESDAY, JULY 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " July 5. — After dinner M"^ Gov- 
ourn' Morris and M' W° Craik came in." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'■'■July 6. — General [Benjamin] Lincoln & his Son came to Dinner & re- 
turned afterwards. July 7. — M''Govourn' Morris went away before Break- 
fast as did M"" Craik — Col" Bassett & M' Geo : Washington accompanied 
the former as far as Alexandria — M'' Arthur Lee came to Dinner, to which 
Col» Bassett & G. W. returned." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, JULY 14. 

At Alexandria : " July 14. — Went through my Harvest 
field at Muddy hole to Alexandria, to a meeting of the Di- 
rectors of the Potomack Company — Agreed with M' James 
Rumsey to undertake the Management of our Works — and 
a M' [Richardson] Stuart from Baltimore as an Assistant — 
Gave them directions — passed some acc*^ — paid my quota of 
the demand for these purposes to M' [William] Hartshorne 
the Treasurer — Made M" Dalby a visit — and came home in 
the evening, 

" Found M' Bryan Fairfax * & his son Ferdinando here at 
my return who had come down before dinner." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

TUESDAY, JULY 26. 

At Mount Vernon : " July 26. — On my return [from din- 
ing with Lund Washington], found M'' Will Shaw whom I 
had engaged to live with me as a Book Keeper, Secretary 
&c. here." — Washington'' s Diary. 

Mr. Shaw remained at Mount Vernon in the capacity of book-keeper, 
etc., until August 25, 1786, when he left for Philadelphia, to embark for the 
West Indies. 



* Brother of George William Fairfax, of " Bel voir," and rector of Christ 
Church, Alexandria, 1790-1792. 

3 



34 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27. 

At Mount Vernon: ''July 27. — M"' Fendal, Miss Lee 
(eldest daughter of the Presid* of Congress) Miss N'ancy 
Lee, Grand daughter of Rich*^ Lee Esq' of Maryland — M' 
Cha' Lee — & M' Law* Washington, Lund Washington & 
their Wives — and M" Law* Washington, Son of Lawrence & 
M' Tho' Washington Son to Robert all dined here and went 
away in the Afternoon." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 1. 

At George Town, Maryland : " August 1. — ^Left home at 
6 Oclock P. [? A.] M. and after escorting Fanny Bassett to 
Alexandria I proceeded to Docf Stuarts [at Abingdon] 
where I breakfasted; and from thence went to George 
Town to the Annual Meeting of the Potomack Company 
appointed to be held at that place. . . . Dined at Shuters 
[Suter's] Tavern, and lodged at M' Oneals." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'^August 2. — Left George Town about 10 Oclock, in Company with all 
the Directors except Gov' Lee. . . . We dined at M' Bealls Mill 14 Miles 
from George Town and proceeded to a M"^ Goldsboroughs, a decent Farmers 
House at the head of the Seneca Falls, — about 6 Miles and 20 from George 
Town. August 3. — Having provided Canoes and being joined by M' Rum- 
say the principal Manager, & M'' Stewart an assistant to him, in carrying 
on the Works, we proceeded to examine the falls ; and beginning at the 
head of them went through the whole by Water, and continued from the 
foot of them to the Great Falls. . . . Returned back by the way of M' 
Bealls Mill to our old Quarters at M' Goldsboroughs, — the distance as esti- 
mated 8 Miles. August 4. — Engaged nine labourers with whom to com- 
mence the Work." — Washington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5. 

At Frederick Town, Maryland : " August 5. — After Break- 
fast, and after directing M' Rumsey when he had marked 
the way and set the labourers to work to meet us at Harpers 
ferry on the Evening of the Morrow (at the conflux of the 
Shannondoah with the Potomack) myself and the Directors 
set out for the same place by way of Frederick Town 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 35 

(Maryland) — Dined at a Dutchmans 2 Miles above the M* 
of Monocasy & reached the former about 5 oclock — Drank 
Tea — supped — and lodged at Gov' Johnsons." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

"In the Evening the Bells Rang, & Guns were fired; & a Committee 
waited upon me by order of the Gentlemen of the Town to request that I 
w"* stay next day and partake of a publick dinner which the Town were de- 
sirous of giving me — But as arrangements had been made, and the time for 
examining the Shannondoah Falls, previous to the day fixed for receiving 
labourers into pay, was short I found it most expedient to decline the 
honor." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6. 

At Harper's Ferry : " August 6. — Breakfasted in Frederick 
Town, at Gov' Johnsons, and dined at Harpers Ferry — 
took a view of the River, from the Banks as we road up the 
bottom from Pains falls to the Ferry, as well as it could be 
done on Horse back. — Sent a Canoe in a Waggon from the 
Ferry to Keeptriest Furnace in ord' to descend the Falls 
therin to-morrow." — Washington's Diary. 

'■'■August 7. — About Sunrising, the Directors & myself Rid up to Keep- 
trieste, where Canoes were provided, in which we crossed to the Maryland 
side of the River and examined a Gut, or swash, through which it is sup- 
posed the Navigation must be conducted. . . . Having examined this pas- 
sage, I returned to the head of the fall and in one of the Canoes with two 
skilful hands descended them with the common curr* in its natural bed. 
. . . Here (at the Ferry) we breakfasted ; after which we set out to explore 
the Falls below ; ... At the foot of these Falls The Directors & myself 
(Gov' Lee having joined us in the Evening before) held a meeting. . . . 
Gov' Lee left us at this place — the rest of us returned to the Tavern at Har- 
pers Ferry." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 8. 

At Harper's Ferry : " August 8. — This being the day ap- 
pointed for labourers to engage in the work we waited to 
see the issue until Evening. . . . Many Gentlemen of the 
Neighbourhood visited us here to day. ... A few hands 
offered and were employed." — Washington's Diary. 



36 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

"Having provided a light &, convenient Boat — hired two hands to work 
her — and laid in some Stores, Colonels Fitzgerald & Gilpin, and myself 
embarked in it about 6 Oclock P. M. In this Boat we passed through the 
Spout, and all the other Falls and Kapids, and breakfasted at a Capt° Smiths 
on the Maryland side ; to which place our horses had been sent the Evening 
before — after which and dining on our prog at Knowlands Ferry (about 15 
Miles from Harpers) we lodged at the House of a M"" Taylor, about three 
Miles above the Mouth of Goose Creek, and about 10 M. below Knowlands. 
Aitgust 10. — Before Sun rise we embarked, and about Nine Oclock arrived 
at the head of the Seneca Falls and breakfasted with our old Landlord M'' 
Goldsborough to which place our horses had proceeded the over Night from 
Capt" Smiths. . . . After Breakfasting, and spending some time with the 
labourers at their different Works, of blowing, removing Stone, and getting 
Coal wood &c— we left the Seneca Falls about 2 oclock A. [? P.] M., & 
crossing the Kiver about half a mile below them and a little above Capt" 
Trammels we got into the great Koad from Leesburgh to Alexandria and 
about half after Nine O'clock in the Evening I reached home after an 
absence from it of 10 days." — Washington's Diaiy. 

SATUKDAY, AUGUST 13. 

At Mount Vernon : " The great object for the accom- 
plishment of which I wish to see the inland navigation of 
the rivers Potomack and James improved and extended is 
to connect the western territory with the Atlantic states. 
All others with me are secondary ; though I am clearly of 
opinion that it will greatly increase our commerce and be an 
immense saving in the article of transportation and draft 
cattle to the planters and farmers who are in a situation to 
have the produce of their labor water-borne. ... I have 
already subscribed five shares to the Potomack navigation ; 
and enclosed I give you a power to put my name down for 
five shares to that of James river." — Washington to Edmund 
Randolph. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31. 

At Mount Vernon : " August 31.— This day I told Doct' 
Craik that I would contribute One hundred Dollars p' 
Annum, as long as it was necessary, towards the Education 
of His Son Geo Washington either in this Country or in 
Scotland." — Washington's Diary. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 37 

Dr. James Craik, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, was born 
in Scotland, and settled in Virginia in the year 1753. He joined the expe- 
dition to the Ohio in 1754, and was with Colonel Washington at the battle 
of the Great Meadows and the surrender of "Fort Necessity," in July of 
that year. Dr. Craik was in the Braddock campaign of 1755, and remained 
attached to the Virginia troops until about 1763. He also served as a 
surgeon in the Kevolutionary war. The friendship formed between "Wash- 
ington and the doctor in 1754 lasted through their lives, and he was a fre- 
quent and most welcome guest at Mount Vernon. He attended the General 
in his last illness, and was remembered in his will as his "compatriot in 
arms and old and intimate friend." Dr. Craik died February 6, 1814, at the 
age of eighty-two. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBEE 1. 

At Mount Vernon: "The hounds which you were so 
obliging as to send, arrived safe, and are of promising ap- 
pearance." — Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette. 

^^ September 19. — Rid to the Plantations at the Ferry, Dogue run, and 
Muddy hole — took my French Hounds with me for the purpose of Airing 
them & giving them a knowledge of the grounds about the place. Novem- 
ber 29. — Went out after Breakfast with my hounds from France. December 
1. — Took the Hounds out before Sun Rise. . . . 3 or 4 of the French Hd^ 
discovered no greater disposition for Hunting to day than they did on tues- 
day last. December 5. — It being a good scenting Morning I went out with 
the Hounds. . . . My French Hounds performed better to day." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 3. — In the Evening James 
Madison Esq. came in. September 5. — M' Madison left this 
after Breakfast." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 6. — A M' Taylor Clerk to 
the Secretary for Foreign Affairs came here whilst we were 
at Dinner, sent by M'' Jay, by order of Congress, to take 
Copies of the Report of the Commissioners who had been 
sent in by me to New York, to take an Acct. of the Slaves 
which had been sent from that place (previous to the evacu- 
ation) by the British." — Washington's Diary. 



38 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. 

At Alexandria : " September 9. — Rid up to Alexandria 
with M" Washington, who wanted to get some Cloathing 
for little Washington Custis ; and for the purpose of seeing 
Col° Fitzgerald & Col° Gilpin on the business of the Poto- 
mack Company — Returned home to Dinner." — Washing- 
torCs Diary. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 10. — Rid with Fanny 
Bassett, M' Taylor and M' Shaw to meet a Party from 
Alexandria at Johnsons Spring (on my Land where Clifton 
formerly lived) where we dined on a cold dinner brought 
from Town by water and spent the Afternoon agreeably — 
Returning home by Sun down or a little after it." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " September 20. — About Noon, 
agreeably to an appointment I set off for the Seneca Falls — 
dined at Col° Gilpins and proceeded afterwards with him 
to M' Bryan Fairfaxs* where we lodged." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" September 21. — The Rain continuing without intermission until 10 or 11 
oclock, and no appearances of feir weather until Noon, we did not leave M'' 
Fairfaxs 'till a little after it and then meeting much diflBculty in procuring 
a vessel, did not get to the Works at the Seneca falls until the labourers had 
quit them.— we then went to our old quarters at M^ Goldsboroughs were 
lodged — M"' Fairftix accompanied us. Septejnber 22. — About 10 oclock we 
left M' Goldsboroughs & in a boat passed down the Seneca falls to the place 
where the workmen were blowing Rocks. . . . After viewing the works we 
crossed to the Virginia side and proceeded to the Great Falls where by ap- 
pointment we were to have met Col" Fitzgerald — and Vessels to take us by 
Water to the little Falls in order to review the River between the two. — The 



* The Rev. Bryan Fairfax resided at " Towlston," about three miles from 
the Great Falls of the Potomac. In the latter years of his life he lived at 
" Mount Eagle," between Alexandria and Mount Vernon, where he died in 
1802. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 39 

latter we found, but not the first, & parting with M' Fairfax here, and 
sending our Horses by Land to M' Hipkins's at the Falls Warehouse we 
embarked about 3 oclock ; Col" Gilpin myself & one hand in one Canoe, and 
two other people in another Canoe, and proceeded down the Kiver to the 
place where it is proposed to let the Water again into a Canal to avoid the 
little Falls. . . . Lodged this Night at M' Hipkins's at the Falls warehouse 
where we arrived at Dark. September 23. — After taking an Early breakfast 
at M'' Hipkins's I set out and reached home about 11 oclock." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26. 

At Alexandria : " September 26. — Went up to Alexandria 
to meet Colonels Gilpin & Fitzgerald on business of the 
Potomack Comp^. Dined at the New Tavern, kept by M' 
Lyle." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 2.— "Went with Fanny Bas- 
sett, Burwell Bassett, Docf Stuart, G. A. Washington, M'^ 
Shaw & Nelly Custis to Pohick Church; to hear a M' 
Thompson preach, who returned home with us to Dinner, 
where I found the Rev. M'^ Jones,* formerly a Chaplin in 
one of the Pennsylvania Regiments. — After we were in 
Bed (about Eleven oclock in the Evening) M' Houdon, sent 
from Paris by Docf Franklin and M' Jefferson to take My 
Bust, in behalf of the State of Virginia, with three young 
men assistants, introduced by a M' Perin a French Gentle- 
man of Alexandria arrived here by Water from the latter 
place. October 7. — Sat this day, as I had done yesterday 
for M' Houdon to form my Bust." — Washington's Diary. 

The General Assembly of Virginia having passed a resolution (June 22, 
1784) that "The Executive be requested to take measures for procuring a 
statue of General Washington, to be of the finest marble and best workman- 
ship," Governor Harrison directed Thomas Jeflferson, then in Paris, to 
engage the services of a suitable person for the purpose. Mr. Jefierson 
thereupon contracted with the celebrated statuary, Jean Antoine Houdon, 

* David Jones, of Chester County, Pennsylvania, chaplain of General 
Anthony Wayne in the Revolutionary war and the Indian war of 1794-95. 



40 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

to undertake the work. Mr. Houdon was unwilling to do so without seeing 
Washington, and accordingly arrangements were made for his visiting the 
United States. He remained at Mount Vernon until October 19, during 
which time he made a cast of the face, from which a bust was modelled, and 
took minute measurements of the figure of Washington. The statue was 
completed in 1788, but was not put in position in the Capitol at Kichmond 
until May 14, 1796. The figure has been pronounced by Lafayette " a fac- 
simile of Washington's person," while the bust is held as the acknowledged 
likeness of the great American. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 10. — A M' Jn° Lone, on his 
way to Bishop Seabury for ordination, called & dined here 
— could not give him more than a general certificate founded 
on information, respecting his character— having no ac- 
quaintance with him, nor any desire to open a Correspond- 
ence with the new ordained Bishop." — Washington's Diary. 

Dr. Samuel Seabury was elected Bishop of Connecticut, by the Church of 
England clergy of that State, at Woodbury, March 25, 1783, and finally 
consecrated November 14, 1784, at Aberdeen, Scotland, by Bishops Kilgour, 
Petrie, and Skinner, representing the episcopate of the Scottish Church. He 
was the first Bishop of the American Church. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 12. — M' Livingston son of 
Peter Vanbrugh Livingston of New York came to Dinner 
& stayed all Night — and in the Evening M"" Madison ar- 
rived." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 13. — M' Livingston, notwithstanding the Rain, returned to 
Alexandria after dinner. October 14. — M' Madison went away after Break- 
fast. ' ' — Washington^ s Diary. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 15. — The Reverend M' 
[Spence] Grayson, and Doct" [David] Griflith ; Lund Wash- 
ington, his wife, & Miss Stuart came to Dinner — all of 
whom remained the Evening except L. W. — After the 
Candles were lighted George Aug* Washington and Frances 
Bassett were married by M' Grayson." — Washington's Diary. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 41 

MONDAY, OCTOBEK 17. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " October 17. — Set out to meet 
the Directors of the Potomack Navigation at George Town, 
— where having all assembled, we proceeded towards the 
Great Falls, and dispersing for the convenience of obtaining 
Quarters, GoV Johnson & I went to M"" Brjan Fairfax." — 
Washington's Diary. 

" October 18. — After an early breakfast at M' Fairfax's Gov' Johnson & I 
set out for the Falls (accompanied hy M'' Fairfax) where we met the other 
Directors — and Col" Gilpin in the operation of levelling the ground for the 
proposed cut or Canal from the place where it is proposed to take the Water 
out to the other where it will be let into the Kiver again. . . . After dark I 
returned to M' Fairfax's. October 19. — Immediately after breakfast I set 
out for my return home — at which 1 arrived a little after Noon. — And found 
my Brother Jn" [Augustine] his Wife , Daughter Milly, & Sons Bushrod & 
Corbin, & the Wife of ihe first.— M' Will"" Washington & his Wife & 4 
Children. " — Washington's Diary. 

FKIDAY, OCTOBER 21. 

At Alexandria : " October 21. — My Brother [and] M^ 
Will"" Washington and his Wife went up with me to this 
days Races at Alexandria — We dined at Col" [Dennis] 
Ramsays & returned in the Evening. October 22. — Went 
up again to day, with my Brother and the rest of the Gen- 
tlemen to the Race & dined at M' [William] Herberts." — 
Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29. 

At Mount Vernon : Declines, in a letter to Patrick Henry, 
Governor of Virginia, to accept fifty shares in the Potomac 
Company and one hundred shares in the James River Com- 
pany, voted to him January 5 by the General Assembly 
of the State ; " it being their wish in particular, that those 
great works of improvement, which, both as springing 
from the liberty which he has been so instrumental in es- 
tablishing, and as encouraged by his patronage, will be 
durable monuments of his glory, may be made monuments 
also of the gratitude of bis country." 



42 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

In this letter, after referring to his fixed determination of refusing every 
pecuniary recompense for his services to his countr\', Washington wrote, 
'• But if it should please the General Assembly to permit me to turn the 
destination of the fund vested in me, from my private emolument, to objects 
of a public nature, it will be my study in selecting these to prove the sin- 
cerity of my gratitude for the honor conferred on me, by preferring such as 
may appear most subservient to the enlightened and patriotic views of the 
legislature." This proposition the Assembly acceded to, such disposition to 
be made either during his lifetime or by testamentary writing. 

By his last will and testament Washington bequeathed the one hundred 
shares in the James Kiver Company to the " Liberty Hall Academy in the 
County of Rockbridge, in the Commonwealth of Virga, " now the Washing- 
ton and Lee Universit}- of Lexington ; and the fifty shares of the Potomac 
Company " towards the endowment of a University to be established within 
the limits of the District of Columbia, under the auspices of the General 
Government. ' ' 



MONDAY, OCTOBER 31. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 31. — A Captain [Richard] 
Fullerton came here to Dinner on business of the State 
Society of the Cincinnati of Pensylvania; for whom I 
signed 250 Diplomas as President. — went away after." — 
Wash ingion's Diary. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4. 

At Mount Yernon : " November 4. — In the Evening a M' 
Jn° Fitch came in, to propose a draft & Model of a Machine 
for promoting Navigation, by means of a Steam.'' — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 



John Fitch, who in April, 1785, first conceived the idea of steam as a 
motive-power for vessels, and had a few months later (September) submitted 
a model for his steamboat before the American Philosophical Society, visited 
Virginia at this time, in order to petition the Legislature for assistance to 
complete his invention. 

Washington does not seem to have taken any interest in the object of his 
visit, and even when at Philadelphia in 1787, in attendance on the Consti- 
tutional Convention, was not present at the successful attempt made by 
Fitch (August 22) to propel a boat of some size on the Delaware, although a 
number of the members of the Convention seem to have witnessed it. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 43 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " Noverahe'r 5. — M' Robert "Washing- 
ton of Chotanck — M' Lund Washington k M' Lawrence 
Washington dined here as did Col" Gilpin k M'' ]S'oah 
Webster — the 4 first went away afterwards — the last stayed 
all ZSTight/"'" — Washington's JJiory. 

Noah Wetster, LL.D., the author of the "American Dictionary of the 
English Language," first puhlished in 1828, had previously visited Mount 
Vernon (May 20j. His journey to the Southern States was for the purpose 
of petitioning their Legislatures to enact a copyright law. It is stated that 
when at Mount Vernon, Dr. "Wehsler presented Washington with a copy of 
his pamphlet entitled " Sketches of American Policy," published in 1784, in 
which he argued that a new system of government was nec^sary for the 
country, in which the people and Congress should act without the constant 
intervention of the States. This is believed to have been the first movement 
toward a national constitution. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8. 

At Mount Vernon : " Novemher 8. — A Capt° Lewis Little- 
page came here to Dinner. . . . This Capt° Littlepage has 
been Aid de Camp to the Duke de Crillen — was at the 
Sieges of Fort St. Phillip (on the Island of Minorca) and 
Gibralter; and is an extraordinary character." — Wo.shing- 
ton's Diary. 

Lewis Littlepage, son of Colonel James Littlepage, was bom in Hanover 
County, Virginia, December 19, 1762. He was graduated at William and 
Mary College in 1778, and being a relative of John Jay, then minister to 
Madrid, he joined him in the winter of 1779-80. He volunteered in the 
expedition of the Due de Crillon against Minorca in 1782, and at the attack 
on Gibraltar was blown up from one of the floating batteries, but saved. 
He subsequently made the tour of Europe, established himself at Warsaw, 
and went to St. Petersburg as ambassador from Poland. He died at Fred- 
ericksburg, Virginia, July 19, 1802. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 

At Alexandria : " Novemher 10. — Went up to Alexandria 
to meet the Directors of the Potomack Company. — Dined 
at M'' [Philip Richard] Fendalls (who was from home) and 



44 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

returned in the Evening with M" Washington." — Washing- 
tori's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 16. — Richard Henry Lee, 
lately President of Congress ; * his son Ludwell, Col" Fitz- 
gerald, and a M' Hunter (Merch*) of London came to Dinner 
& stayed all Night." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 16. — We arrived at Mount Vernon by one o'clock — so-called 
by the General's eldest brother, who lived there before him, after the Ad- 
miral of that name. When Colonel Fitzgerald introduced me to the Gen- 
eral I was struck with his noble and venerable appearance. It immediately 
brought to my mind the great part he had acted in the late war. The Gen- 
eral is about six feet high, perfectly straight and well made ; rather inclined 
to be lusty. His eyes are full and blue and seem to express an air of gravity. 
His nose inclines to the aquiline ; his mouth is small ; his teeth are yet good 
and his cheeks indicate perfect health. His forehead is a noble one and he 
wears his hair turned back, without curls and quite in the officer's style, and 
tyed in a long queue behind. Altogether he makes a most noble, respectable 
appearance, and I really think him the first man in the world. . . . When 
I was first introduced to him he was neatly dressed in a plain blue coat, 
white cassimir waistcoat, and black breeches and Boots, as he came from his 
farm. After having sat with us some time he retired and sent in his lady, a 
most agreeable woman about 50, and Major Washington his nephew, mar- 
ried about three weeks ago to a Miss Bassett : She is Mrs. Washington's 
niece and a most charming young woman. She is about 19. After chatting 
with them for half an hour, the General came in again, with his hair neatly 
powdered, a clean shirt on, a new plain drab coat, white waistcoat and white 
silk stockings. At three, dinner was on the table, and we were shewn by 
the General into another room, where everything was set off with a peculiar 
taste, and at the same time very neat and plain. The General sent the bottle 
about pretty freely after dinner, and gave success to the navigation of the 
Potomac for his toasts, which he has very much at heart, and when finished 
will I suppose be the first river in the world. . . . 

" After tea General Washington retired to his study and left us with the 
President, his lady and the rest of the Compan3\ If he had not been 
anxious to hear the news of Congress from Mr. Lee, most probably he would 
not have returned to supper, but gone to bed at his usual hour, nine o'clock, 

* Richard Henry Lee was President of Congress from November 30, 1784, 
to November 4, 1785. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 45 

for he seldom makes any ceremony. We had a very elegant supper about 
that time. The General with a few glasses of champagne got quite merry, 
and being with his intimate friends laughed and talked a good deal. Before 
strangers he is generally very reserved, and seldom says a word." — Diary of 
John Hunter, Pemisylvania Magazine, vol. xvii. p. 76. 



THUKSDAY, NOVEMBEK 17. 

At Mount Yernon : " November 17. — Col" Lee & all the 
Company [including Mr. Hunter] went away after Break- 
fast." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 17. — I rose early and took a walk about the General's grounds 
— which are really beautifully laid out. He has about 4000 acres well culti- 
vated and superintends the whole himself. Indeed his greatest pride now 'n, 
to be thought the first farmer in America. He is quite a Cincinnatus, and 
often works with his men himself — strips off his coat and labors like a common 
man. The General has a great turn for mechanics. It's astonishing with 
what niceness he directs everything in the building way, condescending even 
to measure the things himself, that all may be perfectly uniform. The style 
of his house is very elegant, something like the Prince de Conde's at Chan- 
tille, near Paris, only not quite so large ; but it's a pity he did not build a 
new one at once, as it has cost him nearly as much repairing his old one. His 
improvements I'm told are very great within the last year. . . . It's aston- 
ishing what a number of small houses the General has upon his Estate for 
his different Workmen and Negroes to live in. He has everything within 
himself — Carpenters, Bricklayers, Brewers, Blacksmiths, Bakers, etc , etc., 
and even has a well assorted Store for the use of his family and servants. . . . 
The General has some hundreds of Negroes on his plantations. He chiefly 
grows Indian corn, wheat and tobacco. . . . The situation of Mount Vernon 
is by nature one of the sweetest in the world, and what makes it still more 
pleasing is the amazing number of sloops that are constantly sailing up and 
down the River. ' ' — Diary of John Hunter. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21. 

At Alexandria : " November 21. — I went up to Alexandria 
with G. Washington to meet the Directors of the Potomack 
Com* and to a Turtle feast (the Turtle given by myself to 
the Gentlemen of Alex*). Returned in the Evening and 
found the Count Doradour, recommended by & related to 
the Marq' de la Fayette here." — Washington's Diary. 



46 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

FKIDAY, NOVEMBEK 25. 

At Gunston Hall : " November 25. — Set out after break- 
fast, accompanied by M' G. Washington, to make M' Mason 
at Colchester a visit, but hearing on the Road that he had 
removed from thence I turned into Gunston Hall where we 
dined and returned in the Evening & found Col" Henry Lee 
& his Lady here." — Washington's Diary. 



Gunston Hall, on the Potomac, near the mouth of the Occoquan Kiver, 
below Mount Vernon, was the residence of George Mason, author of " The 
Virginia Bill of Rights." The house, erected by Mr. Mason about the year 
1758, is still standing, although no longer in possession of the Mason family. 



FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2. 

At Mount Vernon: ^''December 2. — Col° & M"" [Daniel] 
Macarty came here to Dinner — as did Colonels Fitzgerald 
and Gilpin — and M' Cha^ Lee & Docf Baker." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 4. — Last Mght Jn" Alton, 
an Overseer of mine in the Neck — an old & faithful Servant 
who had lived with me 30 odd years died — and this evening 
the wife of Tho° Bishop, another old Servant who had lived 
with me an equal number of years also died." — Washington's 
Diary. 



John Alton, a Welshman by birth, attended Washington in the Braddock 
campaign of 1755. Thomas Bishop (the death of whose wife is noted in the 
Diary) came to America in 1755, as a military servant to General Braddock, 
and at the battle of the Monongahela (July 9) was detailed by that com- 
mander to wait upon Washington, who had barely recovered from a severe 
attack of illness. After the death of Braddock he took service with the 
young Virginia colonel, and was in attendance upon him the day of his first 
interview with the widow Custis. Bishop was deemed too old for active 
service in the Revolution, and remained at Mount Vernon. He died in 
January, 1795, aged eighty years. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 47 

THUKSDAY, DECEMBEE 8. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 8. — Capt° Fairley [James 
Fairlie] of New York came here in the Afternoon." — 
Washington's Diary. 

^^ December 12. — Maj"" Farlie went away before breakfast, with 251 Di- 
plomas which I had signed for the Members of the Cincinnati of the State of 
New York, at the request of General M^Dougall Presedent of that Society. — 

"After an early breakfast George "Washington M' Shaw & Myself went 
into the Woods back of Muddy hole Plantation a hunting and were joined 
by M"^ Lund Washington and M"" William Peake. — About half after ten 
Oclock (being first plagued with the Dogs running Hogs) we found a fox 
near Col° Masons Plantation on little Hunting Creek (West fork) having 
followed on his Drag more than half a Mile ; and run him with Eight Dogs 
(the other 4 getting, as was supposed after a Second Fox) close and well for 
an hour — When the Dogs came to a fault and to cold Hunting until 20 
Minutes after 12 When being joined by the missing Dogs they put him up a 
fresh and in about 50 Minutes killed up in an open field of Col" Mason's — 
every Eider & every Dog being present at the Death." — Washington's Diary. 

SAT UEDAY, DECEMBEE 17. 

At Alexandria : '- December 17. — Went to Alexandria to 
meet the Trustees of the Academy in that place — and 
offered to vest in the hands of the said Trustees, when they 
are permanently established by Charter, the Sum of One 
thousand pounds, the Interest of which only, to be applied 
towards the establishment of a charity School for the edu- 
cation of Orphan and other poor Children — which offer was 
accepted — returned again in the Evening." — Washingto7i's 
Diary. 

MONDAY, DECEMBEE 19. 

At Mount Yernon : " My homage is due to his Catholic 
Majesty for the honor of his present. The value of it is 
intrinsically great; but it is rendered inestimable by the 
manner, and the hand it is derived from. Let me entreat 
you, therefore. Sir, to lay before the King my thanks for 
the jackasses, with which he has been graciously pleased to 
compliment me." — Washington to Count de Florida Blanca, 
Spanish Minister of State. 



48 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1785 

The King of Spain, hearing that General Washington was endeavoring to 
procure in Europe asses of the best breed, for the purpose of rearing mules 
on his estates, made him a present of three, a jack and two jennies, and sent 
over with them a person who was acquainted with the habits of these animals 
and the mode of treating them. He arrived at Mount Vernon early in De- 
cember, and after his instructions were taken down in writing by Washing- 
ton, left on the 20th. The jack, called the Royal Grift, was about fifteen 
hands high. 

THUKSDAY, DECEMBER 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 22. — Went a Fox hunting 
with the Gentlemen who came here yesterday [Daniel 
Dulany, Jr., Benjamin Dulany, Samuel Hanson, Thomas 
Hanson, Philip Alexander, and a Mr, Mounsher], together 
with Ferdinando Washington* and M'' Shaw, after a very 
early breakfast — found a Fox just back of Muddy hole 
Plantation and after a Chase of an hour and a quarter with 
ray Dogs, & eight couple of Doctor Smiths (brought by 
M"" Phil Alexander) we put him into a hollow tree, in which 
we fastned him, and in the Pincushion put up another Fox 
which, in an hour & 13 Minutes was killed — We then after 
allowing the Fox in the hole half an hour put the Dogs 
upon his Trail & in half a Mile he took to another hollow 
tree and was again put out of it but he did not go 600 yards 
before he had recourse to the same shift — finding therefore 
that he was a conquered Fox we took the Dogs olf, and 
came home to Dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

" Breakfast was served, on hunting mornings, at candle-light, the general 
always breaking his fast with an Indian-corn cake and a bowl of milk ; and, 
ere the cock had 'done salutation to the morn,' the whole cavalcade would 
often have left the house, and the fox be frequently unkennelled before sun- 
rise. Those who have seen Washington on horseback will admit that he was 
one of the most accomplished of cavaliers in the true sense and perfection of 
the character. He rode, as he did everything else, with ease, elegance, and 
with power. The vicious propensities of horses were of no moment to this 
skilful and daring rider ! He always said that he required but one good 
quality in a horse, to go along, and ridiculed the idea of its being even pos- 

* A nephew of General Washington, son of his brother Samuel. 



1785] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 49 

sible that he should be unhorsed, provided the animal kept on his legs. 
Indeed the perfect and sinewy frame of ihe admirable man gave him such a 
surpassing grip with his knees, that a horse might as soon disencumber 
itself of the saddle as of such a rider. 

"The general usually rode in the chase a horse called Blueskin, of a dark 
iron-gray color, approaching to blue. This was a fine but fiery animal, and 
of great endurance in a long run. . . . There were roads cut through the 
woods in various directions, by which aged and timid hunters and ladies 
could enjoy the exhilarating cry, without risk of life or limb ; but Washing- 
ton rode gaily up to his dogs, through all the difficulties and dangers of the 
ground on which he hunted, nor spared his generous steed, as the distended 
nostrils of Blueskin often would show. He was always in at the death, and 
yielded to no man the honor of the brush." — George Washington Parke 
CusTis, Recollections of Washington. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 25. — Count Castiglioni 
came here to dinner. December 29. — Count Castiglioni 
went away after breakfast, on his tour to the Southward." 
— Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 29. — I went [after break- 
fast] to my Dogue run Plantation to measure, with a view 
to New Model, the Fields at that place — did not return 
until dark nor finish my Surveys. December 30, — "Went to 
Dogue Run again to compleat my Surveys of the Fields 
which I did about 2 o'clock." — Washington's Diary. 



1786. 



MONDAY, JANUAKY 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 2. — Immediately after an 
early breakfast I went out with the Hounds but returned as 
soon as it began to Rain, without touching upon the drag 
of a fox." — Washington's Diary. 

" January 4. — After breakfast I rid by the places where my Muddy hole 
& Ferry people were clearing — thence to the Mill and Dogue Kun Planta- 
tions — and having the Hounds with me in passing from the latter towards 
Muddy hole Plantation I found a Fox which after dragging him some dis- 
tance and running him hard for near an hour was killed by the cross road 
in front of the House. January 10. — Eid to my Plantation in the Neck and 
took the hounds with me — about 11 Oclock found a fox in the Pocoson* at 
Sheridan's point and after running it very indifferently and treeing it once 
caught it about one Oclock. January 14. — Went out with the Hounds & 
run a fox from 11 oclock untill near 3 oclock when I came home and left 
the Dogs at fault after which they recovered the Fox & its supposed killed 
it." — Washington's Diary. 

SATUKDAY, JANUAKY 21. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 21. — Rid to my Planta- 
tions at Muddy hole and Dogue run — from thence to the 
Mill." — Washington's Diary. 

The Mount Vernon estate proper comprised nearly forty-five hundred 
acres of land. For the purpose of systematic arrangement it was divided 
into the Mansion-House Farm and four plantations, known as the Union 
Farm, the Dogue Eun Farm, the Muddy Hole Farm, and the Eiver Farm, 
the latter of which, separated from the others b}' Little Hunting Creek, in- 
cluded several plantations in what was known as the Neck. The four 
plantations contained thirty-two hundred and sixty acres of arable land, 
and the Mansion-House Farm about four hundred and fifty acres with 

* A word used in Virginia and other Southern States, signifying a 7-e- 
claimed marsh. Both Webster and Worcester cite Washington as authority. 
50 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 51 

large bounds of woodland. Each one of the plantations had its own over- 
seer and its independent outfit and plant. A map of the Washington 
farms at Mount Vernon, reduced from a drawing made by himself, will be 
found in volume xii. p. 316 of Sparks's " Writings of George Washing- 
ton." 

Washington, when at home, visited these farms almost every day, mount- 
ing his horse after breakfast and returning shortly before three o'clock, 
when he dressed for dinner. The tour of the farms might average ten to 
fifteen miles per day. The afternoon was usually devoted to the library 
and the evening to his family and friends ; at nine o'clock he retired for the 
night, as he was an early riser. 

SATUKDAY, JANUAKY 28. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 28. — Went out after break- 
fast with my hounds — found a Fox on the Branch within 
M' Thomson Masons Field and run him some times hard 
and sometimes at cold hunting from 11 oclock till near two 
when I came home and left the huntsman with them who 
followed in the same manner two hours or more longer, 
and then took the Dogs off without killing." — Washington's 
Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBKUAKY 1. 

At Potomac Falls : " February 1. — ^Not being able to 
leave here yesterday (as I intended) for the appointed meet- 
ing of the Directors of the Potomack Navigation at the 
Great Falls this day, I set out this Morning at the first 
dawning of day for this purpose, and after as disagreeable 
a ride as I ever had for the distance, arrived, at the Falls at 
half after 11 oclock where I found Col° Gilpin (who had 
been there since Sunday Night) levelling &c — and Col° 
Fitzgerald who got there just before me. 

" Spent the remainder of this day in viewing the different 
grounds along which it was supposed the Canal might be 
carried and after dining at the Huts went in the evening 
accompanied by Col° Fitzgerald & M' Potts [clerk to the 
board of managers] to a M'' Wheelers in the Neighbour- 
hood (ab* IJ Miles off) to lodge."— Washington's Diary. 



52 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1786 

^^ February 2. — Spent this day in examining the ground more attentively, 
and levelling the different ways we had discovered yesterday. . . . Dined 
again at the Hutts. . . . After 7 Oclock at Night Col" Fitzgerald M"' Potts 
& myself left the Hutts, & came to M' William Scotts about 6 Miles on 
this side of the Falls where we lodged. February 3. — After an early 
breakfast we left M"' Scotts ; and about noon I reached home." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 



TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " February 28. — Set out, by ap- 
pointment, to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of 
the Potomack Company at the Great Falls — Dined and 
lodged at Abingdon, to which place M" Washington and 
all the Children accompanied me." — Washington'' s Diary. 

^'^ March 1. — After a very early breakfast at Abingdon I set off for the 
meeting at the Great Falls & passing near the little falls arrived at the 
fonner about 10 Oclock ; where in a little time, assembled Gov'' Johnston 
Col° Fitzgerald, and Col" Gilpin. Little or no business done to day. . . . 
I went to M'' Fairfax's (about 3 Miles off) where I lodged. March 2. — 
Accompanied by M'' Fairfax I repaired again to the Falls where we arrived 
about 8 oclock . . . the day was so stormy, that we could neither level, nor 
Survey the different tracks talked of for the Canal. . . . Col" Fitzgerald & 
M' Potts accompanied M"" Fairfax & myself to Towlston. March 3. — The 
Snow which fell yesterday & last Night covered the ground at least a foot 
deep ; and continuing snowing a little all day, & blowing hard from the N» 
"West, we were obliged tho' we assembled at y*^ huts again to relinquish all 
hopes of levelling & Surveying the ground this trip. ... I again returned 
(first dining at the Hutts) with Col" Fitzgerald to Towlston, in a very 
severe evening. March 4. — After breakfast Col° Fitzgerald and myself set 
off on our return home & parted at 4 Mile run. — about half after four I got 
to Mount Vernon, where M" Washington, Nelly and little Washington 
had just arrived.'' — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 5. — M' Rich*^ Bland Lee 
came here to dinner and stayed all Night. 3Iarch 6. — M' 
Lee went away about 10 Oclock and M' Thornton Wash- 
ington [son of Samuel Washington] came in after we had 
dined and stayed all night." — Washington's Diary. 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 53 

SUNDAY, MARCH 12. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 12. — About dusk M' Wil- 
liam Harrison (a delegate to Congress from the State of 
Maryland) and his Son came in on their way to New York. 
March 13. — M' Harrison and son went away after break- 
fast." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 19. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 19. — A Gentleman calling 
himself the Count de Cheiza D'arteignan officer of the 
French Guards came here to dinner ; but bringing no let- 
ters of introduction, nor any authentic testimonials of his 
being either ; I was at a loss how to receive or treat him — 
he stayed dinner and the evening." — Washington'' s Diary. 

^^ March 21. — The Count de Cheiza D'artingnon (so calling himself) was 
sent, with my horses, to day, at his own request, to Alexand*." — Washing- 
ion's Diary. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 25. 

At Mount Vernon : "I feel very sensibly the honor con- 
ferred on me by the ' South Carolina Society for promoting 
and improving Agriculture and other Rural Concerns,' by 
unanimously electing me the first honorary member of that 
body." — Washington to William Drayton. 

In communicating to General Washington, under date of Charleston, 
November 23, 1785, the above intelligence, Mr. Drayton added, "This 
mark of their respect, the Society thought, was with peculiar propriety due 
to the man, who, by his gallantry and conduct as a soldier, contributed so 
eminently to stamp a value on the labors of every American farmer ; and 
who, by his skill and industry in the cultivation of his fields, has likewise 
distinguished himself as a farmer." 

FRIDAY, APRIL 7. 

At Mount Vernon : " April 7. — M' George Washington 
went to Alexandria and engaged 100,000 Herrings to 
Smith & Douglas (if caught) at 5/ p' thousand." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 



54 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1786 

It will be seen from the above that the fisheries at Mount Vernon formed 
no unimportant part of the domestic economy of the proprietor. They were 
quite valuable and extensive, and Washington, in describing his estate to 
Arthur Young, in 1793, wrote, " The river which encompasses the land, is 
well supplied with various kinds of fish at all seasons of the year ; and, in 
the spring, with the greatest profusion of shad, herring, bass, carp, perch, 
sturgeon, &c. Several valuable fisheries appertain to the estate; the whole 
shore, in short, is one entire fishery." 

TUESDAY, APRIL 11. 

At Mount Vernon: '•^ April 11. — Rid to the Fishing 
Landing, where 30 odd Shad had just been caught at a 
haul, — not more than 2 or 3 had been taken at one time 
before this Spring." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 15. 

At Alexandria: ^'- April 15. — Rid to Alexandria to a 
Meeting of the Directors of the Potomack Company, who 
had advertised their intention of Contracting on this day 
with whomsoever should bid lowest for the Supplying the 
Company's Servants with Rations for one year. . . . Dined 
at M' Lyle's tavern and returned in the Evening." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

" April 17. — Went up to Alexandria to an election of Delegates to repre- 
sent this County ; when the suffrages of the people fell upon Col" Mason and 
Docf^ Stuart. . . . Returned home in the evening." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 20. 

At Mount Vernon : " April 20. — The Shad began to Run 
to day, having caught 100, 200 & 300 at a draught."— 
Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 23. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " April 23. — Set off after break- 
fast, on a journey to Richmond — to acknowledge in the 
General Court some Deeds for Land sold by me as Attorney 
for Col° George Mercer which it seems, could not be exe- 
cuted without. Dined at Dumfries and lodged at Stafford 
Court House." — Washington's Diary. 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 55 

^'' April 24. — A good deal of Kain having fallen in the Night and it con- 
tinuing to do so till after 6 ocl'' I was detained till near seven — when I set 
out, dined at my Mothers in Fredericksburg & proceeded afterwards to, and 
lodged at General Spotswoods. April 25. — Set out from General Spots- 
woods about Sun Kising and breakfasted at the Bowling green. . . . Dined 
at Kawlins and lodged at Hanover Court House. April 26. — Left Hanover 
Court H° about Sun Kise — breakfasted at Nervals tavern — and reached 
Kichmond about Noon, — put up at Formicalo's Tavern, where by invita- 
tion, I dined with the Judges of the General Court." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, APRIL 27. 

At Richmond, Virginia : " April 27. — Acknowledged in 
the General Court a Deed to James Mercer Esq' for the 
Lotts he and I bought at the Sale of his deceased Brother 
Col" George Mercer — and received a reconveyance from 
him of my part thereof. 

" Road with the Lieu* Gov' [Beverley] Randolph, the 
Attorney General and M' George Webb to view the cut 
which had commenced between Westham and Richmond 
for the improvement of the Navigation of James River. . . . 
Dined and spent the evening at the Attorneys — lodged 
again at Formicalo's." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ April 28. — Left Eichmond about 6 oclock — breakfasted at Norvals — 
Dined at Rawlins — and lodged at the Bowling. April 29. — Set out from 
Bowling green a little after Sun rising — breakfasted at General Spotswoods 
— Dined at my Sister's in Fredericksburgh — and spent the evening at M'' 
[William] Fitzhughs of Chatham. April 30. — Set off about Sun rising 
from M"" Fitzhughs — breakfasted at Dumfries — and reached home to a late 
Dinner." — Washi7igton's Diary. 

THURSDAY, MAY 4.* 

At Abingdon : " May 4. — After Dinner I set out for 
Abingdon in order (to morrow) to Survey my 4 Miles Run 
Tract ; on which I had cause to apprehend trespasses had 
been committed." — Washington's Diary. 

* " May 4. — Sent Maj' Washington to town [Alexandria] on Business 
where he and M'' Lund Washington engaged to M' Watson 100 Barr'' of 
my Flour to be delivered next week at 32/9 p"' Barr'." — Washington's Diary. 



56 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1786 

The tract on Four Mile Run, which empties into the Potomac Eiver three 
miles above Alexandria, contained about twelve hundred acres. "Washing- 
ton made several surveys of this land, the final one on April 29 and 30, 
1799, and by his last will and testament devised it to George "Washington 
Parke Custis, his adopted son. 

FRIDAY, MAY 5. 

At Four Mile Run : " May 5. — Set out early from Abing- 
don, and beginning at the upper corner of my Land (on 4 
Miles Run) a little below an old Mill; I ran the Tract 
agreeably to the courses & distances of a Plat made thereof 
by John Hough, in the year 1766 (ISTov'^) in presence of 
Col° Carlyle & M' James Mercer.— Not hav^ Hough's field 
Notes & no Corner trees being noted in His Plat, I did not 
attempt to look for lines ; but allowing one degree for the 
variation of Compass since the Survey, above mentioned, 
was made, I run the courses and distances only. . . . Re- 
turned at Night to Abingdon, being attended in the labours 
of the day by Docf Stuart." — Washington's Diary. 

" May 6. — After an early breakfast I set out on my Return home & taking 
Muddy hole [plantation] in my way, returned about 10 Oclock. " — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10. 

At Mount Vernon : "A measure in which this State 
[Virginia] has taken the lead at its last session, will, it is 
to be hoped, give efiicient powers to that body [Congress] 
for all commercial purposes. This is a nomination of some 
of its first characters to meet other commissioners from the 
several States, in order to consider and decide upon such 
powers as shall be necessary for the sovereign authority 
of them to act under." — Washington to the Marquis de La- 
fayette. 

This convention met at Annapolis, Maryland, September 11, 1786, to take 
into consideration the trade and commerce of the United States, and to 
provide for a uniform system in their commercial intercourse and regula- 
tions. Five States only — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, 
and Virginia — were represented, and when the commissioners came together 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 57 

they found themselves invested with such limited powers as not to enable 
them to act for the general purposes of the meeting. They did little else 
than draw up a report, to he presented to the several States, urging the 
necessity of a revision of the confederated system of government, and recom- 
mending a convention of delegates with larger powers to be held at Philadel- 
phia on the second Monday of May following. 

THUKSDAT, MAY 18. 

At Mount Vernon : " That it is necessary to revise and 
amend the articles of confederation, I entertain no doubt ; 
but what may be the consequences of such an attempt is 
doubtfuL Yet something must be done, or the fabric must 
fall, for it is certainly tottering." — Washington to John Jay. 

The letter from which the above extract is made was in answer to one 
from Mr. Jay, dated March 16, in which he said, " Experience has pointed 
out errors in our national government which call for correction, and which 
threaten to blast the fruit we expected from our tree of liberty. The con- 
vention proposed by Virginia [for commercial purposes] may do some good, 
and would perhaps do more if it comprehended more objects. An opinion 
begins to prevail that a general Convention for revising the articles of con- 
federation would be expedient. Whether the people are yet ripe for such a 
measure, or whether the system proposed to be attained by it is only to be 
expected from calamity and commotion, is difficult to ascertain. I think 
we are in a delicate situation, and a variety of considerations and circum- 
stances give me uneasiness." 

MONDAY, MAY 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 22. — Began to take up the 
pavement of the Piaza. May 23. — This day began to lay 
the Flags in my Piaza. May 27. — Finished laying 28 
courses of the pavement in the Piaza." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, MAY 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 29. — About 9 Oclock M' Tobias 
Lear, who had been previously engaged on a Salary of 200 
dollars, to live with me as a private Secretary & precepter 
for "Washington Custis a year came here from New Hamp- 
shire, at which place his friends reside." — Washington's 
Diary. 



58 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1786 

Tobias Lear, who remained with Washington, first as a secretary and 
afterward as superintendent of bis private affairs, until the close of his first 
term as President, was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, September 
19, 1762, and died in Washington, D. C, October 11, 1816. At the desire 
of Washington he resumed his duties as secretary in the summer of 1798, 
and was present at his death, of which he drew up a circumstantial account. 
(Sparks, vol. i. p. 555.) 

Mr. Lear, whose relations with Washington were of the most confidential 
nature, has left us the following testimonial to his private character, which, 
brief as it is, reveals more of the truth and consistency of his manhood than 
could be conveyed by the most labored eulogy : " General Washington is, I 
believe, almost the only man of an exalted character who does not lose some 
part of his respectability by an intimate acquaintance. I have never found 
a single thing that could lessen my respect for him. A complete knowledge 
of his honesty, uprightness, and candour in all his private transactions, has 
sometimes led me to think him more than a man." 

SUNDAY, JUNE 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " June 4. — Received from on board 
the Brig Ann, from Ireland, two Servant Men for whom I 
had agreed yesterday — viz. — Thomas Ryan a shoemaker, 
and Caven Bon — a Taylor Redemptioners for 3 years Ser- 
vice by Indenture if they could not pay, each, the sum of 
£12 Ster^ which sums I agreed to pay." — Washington's 
Diary, 

The demand for labor of a better character than that obtained from negro 
slaves gave rise, at an early period in the history of the colonies, to the cus- 
tom of importing white men for a specified time of service. These covenant 
servants were regularly indentured under a voluntary agreement, and upon 
their arrival in this country were disposed of on terms seldom exceeding 
seven years, except in the case of very young persons. In later years the 
price paid to the shipper was but little in excess of the passage-money and 
expenses attending the importation. At the end of the term agreed upon 
the " redemptioners," as they came to be called, merged into the mass of the 
white population without any special taint of servitude. Many of them 
were skilled mechanics, who in the end became valuable citizens. 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14. 

At Potomac Falls : " June 14. — After an early breakfast 
in Company with Col" Serf, I set out for our Works at the 
great falls ; where we arrived about 11 Oclock and after 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 59 

viewing them set out on our Return & readied Col" Gilpins 
where we lodged." — Washingtori's Diary. 

" June 15. — Took Alexandria — My Mill dam Meadow at Dogue Run and 
the Plantation there — as also the Ferry Plantation in my way home." — 
Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 17. 

At Mount Vernon : " June 17. — M' Hough, Butcher in 
Alexandria, came here this afternoon & purchased from me 
three fatted Beeves (2 in the Neck & 1 at Dogue run) for 
which he is to pay next week £42 — also the picking of 12 
"Weathers from my flock at 34/ p"" head — if upon consulting 
my Farmer & they could be spared, he was to have 20." — 
Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, JUNE 19. 

At Mount Vernon : " June 19. — A Mons' Andri Michaux 
a Botanest sent by the Court of France to America (after 
having been only 6 Weeks returned from India) came in a 
little before dinner with letters of Introduction & recom- 
mendation from the Duke de Lauzen, & Marq* de la Fay- 
ette to me — he dined and returned afterwards to Alexand' 
on his way to N"ew York, from whence he had come ; and 
where he was about to establish a Botanical garden." — 
Washingto7i's Diary. 

In pursuance of his commission from the French government, Andre 
Michaux established nurseries for the cultivation of trees and shrubs, to be 
naturalized in France, at Bergen County, New Jersey, and near Charleston, 
South Carolina. From the former he made one shipment, but the Revolu- 
tion prevented remittances, and the work was discontinued. He, however, 
in prosecution of his studies, travelled extensively in America, and did not 
return to his native land until 1796. 

His son, Fran9ois Andre, also a distinguished botanist, was sent by the 
French government in 1802 to study the forests of America, which had 
been explored by his father. This resulted in the production of his work 
entitled " Histoire des Arbres Forestiers de I'Amerique," four vols., 1810-13. 
which laid the foundation of his reputation as a botanist. He was elected 
a member of the American Philosophical Society, April 21, 1809, and by 



60 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1786 

his will bequeathed to it the sum of ninety-two thousand francs, invested in 
French three-per-cent. rentes, the interest of which is used by the Society 
f( )r the advancement of botany. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " No person, who shall come with 
your passport, will be an unwelcome guest. . . . My manner 
of living is plain. I do not mean to be put out of it. A 
glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always ready ; and 
such as will be content to partake of them are always wel- 
come. Those who expect more will be disappointed." — 
Washington to George William Fairfax. 

SUNDAY, JULY 2. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " July 2. — About Noon I set out 
for the intended meeting (to be held to morrow) at the 
Seneca falls — Dined at Col° Gilpins ; where meeting with 
Col° Fitzgerald we proceeded all three of us to M' Bryan 
Fairfax's and lodged." — Washington's Diary. 

'■\July 3. — After a very early breakfast (about Sun rise) we left M"" Fair- 
fax's and arriving at the head of the Seneca falls (where a Vessel was to 
have met us) was detained till near ten oclock before one arrived to put us 
over to our place of rendezvous at M' Goldsboroughs. July 4. — The Direc- 
tors determined to prosecute their first plan for openting the Navigation of 
the Kiver in the bed of it. . . . These matters being settled Col" Gilpin and 
myself resolved to send our horses to the Great falls and go by water to that 
place ourselves. . . . After dining with M"" Kumsey at the Great falls Col° 
Gilpin and myself set out in order to reach our respective homes, but a gust 
of wind & rain, with much lightning, compelled me to take shelter, about 
dark at his house, where I was detained all night. July 5. — I set out about 
sun rising, & taking my harvest fields at Muddy hole & the ferry in my 
way, got home to breakfast." — Washington'' s Diary. 

MONDAY, JULY 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " July 24. — After breakfast I accom- 
panied Col** [Theodoric] Bland to M' Lund Washingtons ; 
where he entered the stage on his return home. — Rid from 
hence to the Plantations at Dogue Run & Muddy hole. . . . 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 61 

On my return home, found Col' Humphreys here." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

Colonel Humphreys remained at Mount Vernon until August 23. He 
had just returned from France, and, according to Lossing, brought with 
him, at the request of Louis XV^I., an impression of the king's full- 
length portrait, engraved by Bervic after the painting by Callet. This en- 
graving, which was elegantly framed, was one of the well-known ornaments 
of the mansion at Mount Vernon ; but as it was not executed until 1790, 
the statement by Lossing is incorrect. It must have been presented to 
Washington after that date. 

MONDAY, JULY 31. 

At Mount Vernon : " General Greene lately died at Sa- 
vannah in Georgia. The public as well as his family and 
friends, has met with a severe loss. He was a great and 
good man indeed." — Washington to Count de Rochambeau. 

Nathanael Greene, of whom Alexander Hamilton said, that "his quali- 
fications for statesmanship were not less remarkable than his military 
ability, which was of the highest order," died on the 19th of July, 1786, at 
the age of forty-four. His death , caused by a sunstroke, occurred at ' ' Mul- 
berry Grove," on the Savannah River, an estate presented to him by the 
State of Georgia. He was indeed " a great and good man." 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " I do not conceive we can exist long 
as a nation without having lodged somewhere a power, 
which will pervade the whole Union in as energetic a man- 
ner as the authority of the State governments extends over 
the several States." — Washington to John Jag. 

SATUKDAY, AUGUST 5. 

At Alexandria : " August 5. — Went to Alexandria to a 
meeting of the Directors of the Potomac Comp^ in order 
to prepare the Acct' and a report for the Gen' Meeting of 
the C° on Monday next. — Neither of the Maryland Gent" 
attended — ^Dined at Wises Tav°." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ August 7. — Went to Alexandria to the Gen' Meeting of the Potomack 
C° — Col" Humphreys accompanied me — A sufficient number of shares being 



62 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION [1786 

present to constitute the Meeting the Acct' of the Directors were exhiliited 
and a Gen' Eeport made — but for want of the Secretarys Books which were 
locked up, and he absent the Orders and other proceedings referred to in 
that Report could not be exhibited." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19. 

At Alexandria: '■'■August 19. — After breakfast I accom- 
panied Col" Humphreys by water to Alexandria and dined 
with him at Cap* [Richard] Conways to whom he had been 
previously engaged." — Washington'' s Diary. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29. 

At Mount Yernon : " August 29. — Taken with an Ague 
about 7 oclock this morning which being succeeded by a 
smart fever confined me to the House till evening — Had a 
slight fit of both on Sunday last but was not confined by 
them." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ August SI. — Siezed with an ague before 6 oclock this morning after 
having laboured under a fever all night — Sent for Docf Craik who arrived 
just as we were setting down to dinner ; who, when he thought my fever 
sufficiently abated gave me a cathartick and directed the Bark to be applied 
in the Morning. Septe^nber 2. — Kept close to the House to day, being my 
fit day in course least any exposure might bring it on, — happily missed it. 
September 14. — At home all day repeating dozes of Bark of which I took 
4 with an interval of 2 hours between." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. 

At Mount Vernon : " I never mean, unless some particu- 
lar circumstances should compel me to it, to possess another 
slave by purchase, it being among my first wishes to see 
some plan adopted, by which slavery in this country may 
be abolished by law." — Washington to John F. Mercer. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1. 

Leaves Mount Yernon : " October 1. — The day clear and 
warm. — Took an early Dinner and set out for Abingdon on 
my way to the Great Falls to meet the Directors of the 
Potomack C°." — Washington's Diary. 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 63 

" October 2. — Set out [from Abingdon] before Six oclock, & arrived at 
the Great Falls ab' half after nine. — found Col° Gilpin there & soon after 
Gov" Johnson & Lee, and Col" Fitzgerald & M' Potts arrived when the 
board proceeded to enquire into the charges exhibited by M'' James Rumsey 
the late against M'' Richardson Stuart the present Manager of the Com- 
panys business — the examination of the Witnesses employed the board until 
dark when the Members dispersed for Lodgings — I went to M"" Fairfaxs. 
October 3. — Returned to the Falls by appointment at 7 oclock to Breakfast : 
we proceeded immediately afterwards to a consideration of the evidence . . . 
the whole appeared (the charges) malignant, envious & trifling. — After this 
the board settled many ace'* and adjourned till 8 oclock next Morning. 
October 4. — The Board having agreed to a Petition to be oflFered to the As- 
semblies of Virg" and Maryland for prolonging the time allowed by Law 
for improving the Navigation of the River above the Great Falls, broke up 
about three oclock — When in company of Col°^ Fitzgerald & Gilpin & M"' 
Potts I set ofl' home. — With much difficulty on ace' of the Rising of the 
Water by the Rain of last Night we crossed Difficult run and through a 
constant Rain till I had reached Cameron* I got home a little before 8 
o'clock where I found my Brother Jn" Aug^ Washington." — Washington's 
Diary. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 9. — Allowed all my People 
to go to the Races in Alexandria on one of three days as 
best comported with their respective businesses — leaving 
careful persons on the Plantations." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10. 

At Alexandria : " October 10. — In company with Major 
Washington and M"" Lear went up to Alexandria to see the 
Jockey Club purse run for (which was won by M' Snickers) 
dined by invitation with the Members of it and returned 
home in the evening." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15. 

At Pohick Church : " October 15. — Accompanied by Maj' 
Washington his wife — M' Lear & the two child"" Il^elly & 

* An estate situate two miles south of the old road from Alexandria to 
Mount Vernon, and about eight miles from the latter place. 



64 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1786 

Washington Custis — went to Pohick Church & returned to 
Dinner." — Washington'' s Diary. 

Pohick Church is situated on Pohick Creek, about five miles southwest 
of Mount Vernon. The first building (of frame) was erected on the south 
side of the creek in 1732. The present structure (of brick) was put up in 
1772, on the north side, two miles farther up the stream, for which Wash- 
ington drew the plans, and also served on the building committee. He was 
chosen a vestryman in 1765, and was kept in that office for several years. 
His pew was No. 28, north side, next to the communion table ; it was 
marked with his initials. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 22.— The Hon"" W^ Dray- 
ton and M"" Walter Izard came here to dinner and stayed 
all Night." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 23. — I remained at home 
all day in the evening Col° Monroe & his Lady and M"" 
Maddison came in." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 23. — Mr. Drayton, Mr. Izard here all day. After dinner Gen- 
eral Washington was, in the course of conversation, led to speak of Arnold's 
treachery, when he gave an account of it. ' ' * — Diary of Tobias Lear. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 24. — M' Drayton and M"^ 
Izard set out after breakfast on their Rout to South Caro- 
lina. October 25. — M"" Maddison and Col" Monroe and his 
Lady set out after breakfast for Fredericksburg." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29. 

At Charles County, Maryland : " October 29. — I crossed 
the River with intention to view & survey my land [600 
acres] in Charles County Maryland — Went to and lodged 



* For this interesting statement see " Washington in Domestic Life," by 
Richard Rush, Philadelphia, 1857. 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 65 

at Gov' [William] Smallwoods about 14 Miles from the 
Ferry." — Washington'' s Diarij. 

" October 30. — About One oclock, — accompanied by the Governor, I set 
out to take a view of my land which lay 12 Miles from his House. — After 
doing which and finding it rather better than I expected we returned to the 
Govern" having from the badness of the Weather & wetness of the ground 
given over the idea of surveying. October 31. — After breakfast I left Gov'' 
Smallwoods & got home to dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 81. 

At Mount Vernon : " You talk, my good Sir, of employ- 
ing influence to appease the present tumults in Massachu- 
setts. I know not where that influence is to be found, or, 
if attainable, that it would be a proper remedy for the dis- 
orders. Influence is not government. Let us have a govern- 
ment by which our lives, liberties, and properties will be 
secured, or let us know the worst at once." — Washington to 
Hmry Lee. 

The popular movement in Western Massachusetts in opposition to the 
constituted authorities, referred to in the above letter, was of a most singular 
character. It began as early as 1782, and increased as popular discontent, 
incident on the unsettled condition of affairs at the close of the Revolution, 
became greater. Conventions were held and lists of grievances drawn up, 
the complaints being of the most irrational nature. The uprising known in 
history as the "Shays Rebellion," taking its name from Daniel Shays, one 
of the principal leaders, finally culminated in an attempt (January, 1787) to 
capture the arsenal at Springfield by a body of eleven hundred men under 
Shays, which was dispersed by a force of four thousand militia commanded 
by General Lincoln. Shays, after living in Vermont about a year, was par- 
doned and removed to Sparta, New York, where he died September 29, 1825. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 6. — On my return home 
[from riding to the plantations], found Col° Lewis Morris, 
and his Brother Major Jacob Morris here, who dined and 
returned to Alexandria afterwards where M" Lewis Morris 
& her Mother M""' Elliot were on their way to Charleston." 
— Washington's Diary. 

5 



66 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1786 

" November 10. — With M" Washington and all the family, I went to 
Alexandria and dined with Docf Craik — returned in the Evening." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, NOVEMBEE 16. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 16. — On my Return home 
[from riding to the plantations], found Mons Campoint 
sent by the Marq^ de La Fayette with the Jack and two 
she Asses which he had procured for me in the Island of 
Malta and which had arrived at Baltimore with the Chinese 
Pheasants &c had with my Overseer &c got there before me 
— these Asses are in good order and appear to be very fine 
— The Jack is two years old and the She Asses one three & 
the other two." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 27. — The Rev"* M' Keith, 
and the Rev** M'' Morse dined here & returned to Alexandria 
in the Evening." — Washington's Diary. 

Jedidiah Morse, D.D., whose visit to Mount Vernon is recorded in the 
Diary, was the author of the first American geography, published at New 
Haven, Connecticut, 1784. From a sketch of Washington, written by Dr. 
Morse for an edition of the geography issued at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, 
1789, we transcribe his description of the personal habits and daily life of the 
Farmer of Mount Vernon : 

" He rises, in winter as well as summer, at the dawn of day ; and generally 
reads or writes some time before breakfast. He breakfasts about seven 
O'clock, on three small Indian hoe-cakes and as manj' dishes of tea. He 
rides immediately to his different farms, and remains with his labourers until 
a little past two o'clock, when he returns and dresses. At three he dines, 
commonly on a single dish, and drinks from half a pint to a pint of Madeira 
wine. This, with one small glass of punch, a draught of beer, and two 
dishes of tea (which he takes half an hour before sun-setting) constitutes his 
whole sustenance until the next day. Whether there be company or not, 
the table is always prepared by its elegance and exuberance for their recep- 
tion ; and the General remains at it for an hour after dinner, in familiar con- 
versation and convivial hilarity. It is then that every one present is called 
upon to give some absent friend as a toast ; the name not unfrequently 
awakens a pleasant remembrance of past events, and gives a new turn to the 
animated colloquy. General Washington is more chearful than he was in 
the army. Although his temper is rather of a serious cast and his counte- 



1786] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 67 

nance commonly carries the impression of thoughtfulness, yet lie perfectly 
relishes a pleasant story, an unaffected sally of wit, or a burlesque descrip- 
tion which surprises by its suddenness and incongruity with the ordinary 
appearance of the object described. After this sociable and innocent relaxa- 
tion, he applies himself to business ; and about nine o'clock retires to rest. 
This is the rotine, and this the hour he observes, when no one but his family 
is present ; at other times he attends politely upon his company until they 
wish to withdraw." 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 30. — Surveying my new 
purchase of Mauley's and Frenchs Land, in order to lay the 
whole of into proper inclosures." — Washington's Diary. 

" December 1. — Employed as yesterday, Running round the Lands of 
Manley and French. December 2. — Finished running round the Fields of 
Mauleys and French's and rid afterwards to Dogue run and Muddy hole 
plantations. ' ' — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 11. — In the Afternoon a 
M' Anstey (Commissioner from England for ascertaining 
the claims of the Refugees) with a M' Woodorf (supposed 
to be his Secretary) came in and stayed all Night." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 30. — Staked out the fields 
at the Ferry Plantation to-day, according to the late modi- 
fication of them — visited the Ditchers and rid to Dogue 
run." — Washington's Diary. 



1787. 



WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3. 

At Alexandria: '■^January 3. — Rid to Alexandria to a 
meeting of the board of Directors of the Potomack C° — 
Did the business which occasioned the Meeting dined at 
Lomax's & returned home in the evening." — Washington'' s 
Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 10. — I rec'^ by express the 
ace* of the sudden death (by a fit of the Gout in the head) 
of my beloved Brother Col" Jn° Aug* Washington." * — 
Washington's Diary. 

Augustine Washington, of Pope's Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia, 
the father of General Washington, had ten children : Butler, Lawrence, 
Augustine, and Jane by his first wife, Jane Butler ; George, Betty, Samuel, 
John Augustine, Charles, and Mildred by his second wife, Mary Ball, to 
whom he was married on the 6th of March, 1731. t Augustine Washington 
died April 12, 1743, aged forty-nine years, at an estate in King George, now 
Stafford, County, on the Rappahannock River, nearly opposite to Fredericks- 
burg, to which he had removed in 1739, seven years after the birth of his son 
George. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 25. — On my return home 
[from a ride to the plantations] found M'' Madison here — 
and after Dinner M'' Griffith came in — both of whom stayed 
all night." — Washington'' s Diary. 

* John Augustine Washington died at his estate on the Nominy River, 
Westmoreland County, Virginia. 

f Three of the children died young, — Butler and Mildred in infancy, and 
Jane at the age of thirteen. 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 69 

^^ January 28. — M'' Madison & M' Griffith going away after breakfast, 
(the former to attend Congress) I rid as yesterday to all y« Plant"'." — Wash- 
ington'' s Diary. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUAKY 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 6. — About Sundown Mess™ 
Bushrocl & Corben Washington [sons of John Augustine 
Washington] came in on their return from Berkeley 
County." — Washington's Diary. 

'■'■ February 1 . — Continued at home. February^. — At home all day. Feb- 
ruary 9. — My Bushrod Washington* and his Brother Corbin went away 
after breakfast." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 14. — Rid immediately, 
after breakfast to French's Plantation to see a sick man — 
and intended to have gone to others but was driven back 
by the Rain." — WasMiigton's Diary. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 17. — Went into the Neck 
to Mark some lines for fences. . . . Received before I had 
done a message acquainting me that Col° [Jeremiah] Wads- 
worth and a M'' Chaloner were here which brought me 

home." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20. 

At Alexandria : " February 20. — Went with M" Washing- 
ton to M' Fendalls to make a visit to CoP and M" [Henry] 
Lee. — dined and returned home in the Evening." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 22. — Rid to Muddy hole 
Dogue run & Frenchs Plantation. ... On my return home 

* The favorite nephew of General Washington, and devisee under his will 
of the Mount Vernon estate. 



70 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

found M' Bryan Fairfax, his wife & daughter here." — 
Washington's Diary. 

'■'■ February 23. — At home all day. In the Evening M' Griffith came in 
and stayed all Night. February 24. — After breakfast Mr. Fairfax, his wife 
& daughter — and M' Griffith went away." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 3. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 3. — The Rev"* M' Weems, 
and y* Doct' Craik who came here yesterday in the after- 
noon left this about Noon for Port Tob" [Port Tobacco, 
Maryland]." — Washington's Diary. 

The visitor at Mount Vernon, Mason Locke Weems, was the author of 
that curious compound of fact and fancy, religion and morality, which was 
published at George-Town in 1800, with the title, " A History of the Life 
and Death, Virtues and Exploits, of General George Washington ; dedicated 
to Mrs. Washington ; and containing a great many curious and valuable 
Anecdotes, tending to throw much light on the private as well \x% public life 
and character of that very Extraordinary Man ; the whole happily calculated 
to furnish a feast of true Wasbingtonian Entertainment and Improvement, 
both to ourselves and our children." The original production, after going 
through several editions, was almost entirely rewritten, and issued at Phila- 
delphia in 1808 as the sixth edition, with the title, "The Life of George 
Washington ; with curious Anecdotes, equally honorable to Himself, and 
exem.plarj' to his young Countrymen." This is the book in which the 
hatchet story, the cabbage-seed story, etc., first appeared, and which, notwith- 
standing its fabrications and fanciful anecdotes, has been more widely known 
and read than all the other biographies and sketches of Washington. Since 
that date (1808) more than fifty editions have been issued, the last bearing 
date 1892. In several years two editions were printed, and in 1816 three 
appeared, the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 15. 

At Mount A-^ernon : " March 15. — Went out with my 
Compass in order to Mark the ground at Muddy hole in- 
tended for experiments, into half acre lotts, and two other 
pieces adjoining — all in field N° 2 — into 10 acre lotts — Also 
to mark the lines which divide field N" 1 from N" 2 & 3 — 
and the fields 6 & 7 at Dogue Run." — Washington's Diary. 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 71 

SUNDAY, MAKCH 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " Most of the legislatures have ap- 
pointed, and the rest it is said will appoint, delegates to 
meet at Philadelphia on the second Monday in May next in 
a general convention of the States, to revise and correct the 
defects of the federal system. Congress have also recog- 
nised and recommended the measure." — Washington to the 
Marquis de Lafayette. 

On February 21, Congress in session passed the following resolution: 
" That in the opinion of Congress it is expedient, that, on the second Mon- 
day in May next, a convention of delegates, who shall have been appointed 
by the several States, be held at Philadelphia, for the sole and express pur- 
pose of revising the Articles of Confederation, and reporting to Congress and 
the several legislatures such alterations and provisions therein, as shall, when 
agreed to in Congress and confirmed by the States, render the federal con- 
stitution adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of 
the Union." 

Early in December, 1786, the General Assembly of Virginia appointed 
"Washington one of the delegates from that State to attend a proposed gen- 
eral convention of all the States, to be held at Philadelphia, which was 
subsequently recommended by Congress in the foregoing resolution. Wash- 
ington at first declined the appointment, but at the urgent solicitation of the 
Governor of the State (Edmund Randolph) and others,* finally consented to 
serve. 

MONDAY, APRIL 16. 

At Alexandria : " April 16. — Went up to Alexandria to 
the Election of Delegates to Represent the Country in 
General Assembly— when Col" Mason and Docf Stuart 
were chosen. — Returned in the Evening, accompanied by 

* In this connection a letter from General Knox to "Washington, dated 
March 19, 1787, will be noticed in Sparks, vol. ix. p. 238, in which, after 
saying that he took it for granted that Washington would be constrained to 
accept the position of presiding oflacer of the convention, the general writes, 
" I am persuaded, that your name has had already great influence to induce 
the States to come into the measure, that your attendance will be grateful, 
that your presence would confer on the assembly a national complexion, and 
that it would more than any other circumstance induce a compliance with 
the propositions of the convention." 



72 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

Col" Mason — \ns, two Sons William and George & his Son- 
in-Law Col" Cooke." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 26. 

At Mount Vernon : " April 26. — Receiving an Express 
between 4 & 5 oclock this afternoon informing me of the 
extreme illness of my Mother and Sister Lewis I resolved 
to set out for Fredericksburgh by daylight in the Morning — 
and spent the evening in writing some letters on business 
respecting the Meeting of the Cincinnati to the Secretary 
General of the Society Gen' Knox." — Washington's Diary. 

" April 26. — Though so much afflicted with a rheumatic complaint (of 
which I have not been entirely free for six months) as to be under the 
necessity of carrying my arm in a sling for the last ten day>-, I had fixed on 
Monday next for my departure [for Philadelphia], and had made every 
necessary arrangement for the purpose, when (within this hour) I am called 
by an express, who assures me not a moment is to be lost to see a mother and 
only sister ( who are supposed to be in the agonies of death) expire ; and I 
am hastening to obey this melancholy call, after having just buried a 
brother who was the intimate companion of my youth, and the friend of my 
ripened age. ' ' — Washington to General Knox. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 27. 

At Fredericksburg : " April 27. — About sun rise I com- 
menced my journey as intended — Bated at Dumfries, and 
reached Fredericksburgh before two o'clock and found both 
my Mother & Sister better than I expected — the latter out 
of danger as is supposed, but the extreme low state in w*^'' 
the former was, left little hope of her recovery as she was 
exceedingly reduced and much debilitated by age and the 
disorder — Dined and lodged at my Sisjers." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'^^ April 28. — Dined at M" Lewis's and Drank Tea at Judge Mercers; — 
Gen' [George] Weedon, Col" Ch^ Carter, .Judge Mercer, and M'' .Jn° Lewis 
and his wife dined with me at rny sisters. April 29. — Dined at Col" Charles 
Carters — and drank Tea at M'' John Lewis's. ApHl 30. — Set out about Sun- 
rise on my return home. — halted at Dumfries for about an hour where I 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 73 

breakfasted — reached home about 6 oclock in a sm' shower, which did not 
continue (and that not hard) for more than 15 Minutes.'" — Washington's 
Diary. 

THURSDAY, MAY 3. 

At Mount Vernon : " 3Iay 3. — Rid to the Fishing landing 
— and thence to the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogiie Run, and Muddy 
hole Plantations with my Nephew Gr. W. [George Augustine 
Washington] to explain to him the !N"ature, and the ord' 
of the business at each as I would have it carried on during 
my absence at the Convention in Philadelphia." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

MONDAY, MAY 7. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 7. — At home preparing for my 
journey to Philadelphia." — Washington's Diary. 

" iJ/fl.y 8. — The weather being squally with Showers I dofer^ setting off 
till the Morning — M' Cha* Lee came in to dinner but left afterwards. " — 
Washingt07i's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " 3fay 9. — Crossed from M* Ver- 
non to M' Digges a little after Sun rise & pursuing the Rout 
by the way of Baltimore — dined at M' Rich** Hendersons 
in Bladensb^ and lodged at Maj"" Snowdens where feeling 
very severely a violent h^ ach & sick stomach I went to bed 
early." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ May 10. — Very great appearances of Rain in the morning, & a little 
falling, induced me, tho' well recovered to wait till ab' 8 oclock before T set 
off — At one Oclock T arrived at Baltimore — Dined at the Fountain [Inn], 
& Supped & lodged at Doct' [James] M^Henrys — Slow Rain in the Even- 
ing. May 11. — Set off before breakfast — rid 12 Miles to Skerretts for it — 
baited there and proceeded without halting (weather threatning) to the 
Ferry at Havre de gras where I dined but could not cross the wind being 
turbiilent & squally — lodged here. May 12. — With difficulty (on ace* of 
the Wind) crossed the Susquehanna — Breakfasted at the Ferry house on the 
East side — Dined at the head of Elk (Hollingsworths Tavern) — and lodged 
at Wilmington at O'Flins [Tavern]— at the head of Elk I was overtaken by 
Jf Francis Corbin who took a seat in my Carriage." — Washington'' s Diary. 



74 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

SUNDAY, MAY 13. 

At Philadelphia : " May 13.— About 8 Oclock M' Corbin 
and myself set out, and dined at Chester (M" Withys) where 
I was met by the Gen*' Mifflin (now Speaker of the Penn- 
sylvania Assembly) Knox and Yarnum — The Colonels 
Humphreys and Minges [Francis Mentges] — and Majors 
[William] Jackson and [Francis] Nicholas — With whom I 
proceeded to Philad* — at Grays Ferry the City light horse 
commanded by Col° [Samuel] Miles met me and escorted 
me in by the Artillery Officers who stood arranged & saluted 
as I passed — alighted through a crowd at M" Houses * — but 
being again warmly and kindly pressed by M'' & M""' Rob* 
Morris to lodge with them I did so and had my baggage 
removed thither f — Waited on the President [of the State] 
Doct' Franklin as soon as I got to Town — On my arrival, 
the Bells were chimed." — Washington's Diary. 

^'■Philadelphia, May 14. — Yesterday His Excellency General Washing- 
ton, a member of the grand convention, arrived here, — He was met at 
some distance and escorted into the city by the troup of horse, and saluted 
at his entrance by the artillery. The joy of the people on the coming of 
this great and good man was shewn by their acclamations and the ringing 
of bells." — Pennsylvania Packet. 

MONDAY, MAY 14. 

At Philadelphia: ''May 14.— This being the day ap- 
pointed for the Convention to meet, such Members as were 
in town assembled at the State H'^ % but only two States being 
represented — viz — Virginia & Pennsylvania — agreed to at- 
tend at the same place at 11 Oclock to morrow. Dined in 
a family way at M" Morris's."— Washington's Diary. 

" May 15.— Repaired, at the hour' appointed to the State H", but no more 
States being represented than were yesterday (tho' several more members 

* Mrs. Mary House kept a boarding-house at the corner of Fifth and 
Market Streets. 

f Robert Morris resided on the south side of Market Street, below Sixth. 

\ The sessions of the Convention were held in the eastern room on the first 
floor, " Independence Chamber." 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 75 

had come in) we agreed to meet again to morrow. Gov' Randolph from 
Virginia came in to day. Dined with the Members, to the Gen' Meeting of 
the Society of the Cincinnati. May 16. — No more than two States being yet 
represented, agreed till a quoram of them should be formed to alter the hour 
of Meeting at the State house to one Oclock. Dined at the President Docf 
Franklins — and drank Tea, and spent the evening at M"' Jn" Penns. May 
17. — M'' [John] Rutledge from Charleston and M' Ch. Pinkney from Con- 
gress having arrived gave a Representation to S" Carolina — and Col" Mason 
getting in this Evening placed all the Delegates from Virginia on the floor 
of Convention. Dined at M"" Powells* and dr'' Tea there. May 18.— The 
Representation from New York appeared on the floor to day. Dined at 
Greys ferry, and drank Tea at M'' Morris's — after which accompanied M" 
and some other Ladies to hear a M" O'Connell read (a charity aflair) the 
lady being reduced in circumstances had had recourse to this expedient to 
obtain a little money — her perform'* was tolerable — at the College Hall 
[Fourth, below Arch Street]. May 19. — No more States represented — 
Dined at M'' [Jared] IngersoUs — spent the evening at my lodgings & Re- 
tired to my Room soon." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MAY 20. 

At Philadelphia : " 3Iay 20.— Dined with M^ & M" Mor- 
ris and other Company at their farm (called the Hills f) — 
Returned in the afternoon & drank Tea at M' Powells." — 

Washington's Diary. 

" May 21. — Delaware State was represented. Dined and drank Tea at 
M' Binghams J in great splendor. May 22. — The Representation from N» 

* Samuel Powel, mayor of Philadelphia in 1775 and 1789, lived at No. 
112 Third Street, between Walnut and Spruce. The house, which is still 
standing, is now known as No. 244 South Third Street. Mr. Powel married 
Elizabeth Willing, sister of Thomas Willing, the well-known merchant. 
Washington was a frequent visitor at this house during his stay in the city. 

f "The Hills, ' which originally comprised eighty acres, lay upon the 
east bank of the Schuylkill River, north of Fairmount Hill, and extended to 
the Ridge Road. That portion of the land upon which the mansion-house 
stood, known in later years as Lemon Hill, is included in Fairmount Park. 

X William Bingham, member of Congress from Pennsylvania, 1787-88, 
and United States Senator, 1795-1801, married Anna, daughter of Thomas 
Willing, October 26, 1780. Mrs. Bingham was distinguished for her beauty, 
elegance of manner, and profuse hospitality. The Bingham mansion, on 
Third Street, above Spruce, was one of the finest private residences of the 
day. 



76 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

Carolina was compleated which made a representation for five States. Dined 
and drank Tea at M' Morris's." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23. 

At Philadelphia : " 3Iay 23. — No more States being rep- 
resented I rid to Gen^ Mifflins * to breakfast — after which 
in Company with him M"" Madison, M' Rutledge, and others 
I crossed the Schuylkill above the Falls — visited M' Peters f 
M' Penns Seat, — and M' W"" Hamiltons. 

" Dined at M^ [Benjamin] Chews [No. 110 South Third 

Street] — with the Wedding guests (Col° [John Eager] 

Howard of Baltimore having married his daughter Peggy) 

N>^ — ^Drank Tea there in a very large Circle of Ladies." — 

Washington's Diary. 

" Mai/ 24. — No more States represented. Dined, and drank Tea at M' 
John Boss's. J One of my Postilion boys (Paris) being sick, requested Doct' 
[John] Jones to attend him." — Washington's Diary. 

FKIDAY, MAY 25. 

At Philadelphia : " May 25. — Another Delegate coming 
in from the State of New Jersey gave it a Representation 
and encreased the number to Seven which forming a 
quoram of the 13 the Members present resolved to organize 
the body ; when by a unanimous vote I was called up to 
the Chair as President of the body.^Maj' William Jackson 
was appointed Secretary — and a Com** was chosen consist- 

* Thomas Mifflin's country house was on the Ridge Road, at the Falls of 
Schuylkill, on the east side of the river, in what is now the Twenty-eighth 
"Ward of the city of Philadelphia. The house was taken down quite recently. 

f Richard Peters, Judge of the United States District Court for Pennsyl- 
vania from 1792 until his death in 1818, was a warm personal friend of 
General Washington. The Peters estate, on the high land west of the 
Schuylkill River, about one mile and a half below the Falls, and known as 
"Belmont," is now in Fairmount Park. The mansion-house, erected in 
1745 by William Peters, is still standing and occupied as a Park restaurant. 

X A prominent shipping merchant and importing agent of Philadelphia. 
A Scotchman by birth. 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 77 

ing of 3 Members * to prepare Rules & Regulations for 
conducting the business — and after appointing door keepers 
the Convention adjourned till Monday, to give time to the 
Com*° to report the Matter referred to them. 

" Returned many visits to day — Dined at M'' Tho' Will- 
ings t — and sp* the evening at my lodgings." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'■'■May 26. — Returned all my visits this forenoon dined with a club at the 
City Tavern and spent the evening at my quarters writing letters. May 27. 
— Went to the Rcflnish Church [St. Mary's, Fourth Street, above Spruce] — 
to high Mass — Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening at my lodging." — 
Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, MAY 28. 

At Philadelphia : " May 28. — Met in Convention at 10 
Oclock. Two States more — viz — Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut were on the floor to day. Established Rules — 
agreeably to the plan bro* in by the Com'® for the governm' 
of the Convention & adjourned. — No com"' without doors. | 

" Dined at home, and drank Tea in a large circle at M' 
[Tench] Francis's.'" — Washington's Diary. 

" May 29. — Attended Convention — and dined at home — after w"** accom- 
panied M" Morris to the benefit Concert [at the City Tavern] of a M' Jutan 
[Juhan]. May 30. — Dined with M' [John] Vaughan— drank Tea, and 
spent the evening at a Wednesday evening party at M' & M" Lawrences.^ 
May 31. — The State of Georgia came on the Floor of the Convention to day 
which made a Representation of ten States. Dined at M' Francis's and 
drank Tea with M" Meridith." — Washmgton's Diary. 

* George Wythe, Alexander Hamilton, and Charles Pinckney. 

f Thomas Willing, the head of the mercantile house of Willing & Morris 
(Robert Morris the financier), resided at the southwest corner of Third Street 
and Willing's Alley, below Walnut Street. He was the first president of 
the Bank of North America, the first bank chartered in this country, 1781. 

X One of the rules adopted by the Convention, to be observed in their 
proceedings as standing orders, reads thus: "That nothing spoken in the 
House be printed, or otherwise published, or communicated without leave." 

2 John Lawrence, mayor of Philadelphia, 1765-66, and justice of the 
Supreme Court, 1767-76. 




78 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

FRIDAY, JUNE 1. 

At Philadelphia: '■'■ June 1. — Attending in Convention — 
and nothing being suffered to transpire no minutes of the 
proceedings has been, or will be inserted in this diary. 

" Dined with M" John Penn, and spent the evening at a 
superb entertainment at Bush Hill given by M"" [William] 
Hamilton — at which were more than an hundred guests." — 
Washington's Diary. 

The estate called "Bush Hill," purchased in 1729 by Andrew Hamilton, 
the eminent lawyer, was part of the Springettsbury Manor. It lay north of 
Vine Street, in what is now the Fifteenth Ward of the city of Philadelphia, 
and the mansion, erected about 1740, stood on the north side of the present 
Buttonwood Street, between Seventeenth and Eighteenth Streets. It was 
occupied by John Adams during a portion of his term as Vice-President, 
and was destroyed by fire about the year 1808. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 2. 

At Philadelphia : " June 2.— M' [Daniel of St. Thomas] 
Jenifer coming in with sufficient powers for the purpose, 
gave a representation to Maryland ; which brought all the 
States in the Union into Convention except Rhode Island 
which had refused to send delegates thereto. 

" Dined at the City Tavern with the Club & spent the 
evening at my own quarters. June 3. — Dined at M'' [George] 
Clymers and drank Tea there also." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, JUNE 4. 

At Philadelphia : ^^ June 4:. — Attended Convention. — Rep- 
resentation as on Saturday. Reviewed (at the importunity 
of Gen' Mifflin and the officers) the Light Infantry — Cavalry 
— and part of the Artillery of the City. 

" Dined with Gen' Mifflin & dr'^ Tea with Miss Cadwalla- 
der." — Washington's Diary. 

^'^ June 4. — In the evening my wife and I went to Market Street to see 
that great and good man General Washington. We had a full view of him 
and Major Jackson, who walked with him, but the number of people who 
followed him on all sides was astonishing. He had been out on the field to 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 79 

review Captain Samuel Miles with his Troop of Horse, the light infantry 
and artillery. ' ' — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 5. 

At Philadelphia : " Ju7ie 5.- — Dined at M' Morris's with a 
large Company & spent the Evening there — Attended in 
Convention the usual hours." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ June 6. — In Convention as usual — Dined at the Presidents (Docf Frank- 
lins) & drank Tea there — after which returned to my lodgings and wrote 
letters for France. June 7. — Attended Convention as usual — Dined with a 
Club of Convention Members at the Indian Queen [Tavern, Fourth, above 
Chestnut Street] — Drank Tea «& spent the evening at my lodgings. Ju7ie 8. 
— Attended the Convention. — Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening at 
my lodg8». Jtme 9. — At Convention — Dined with the Club at the City 
Tavern — Drank Tea & set till 10 oclock at M' Powells." — Washington's 
Diary. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 10. 

At Philadelphia : " June 10. — Breakfasted at M' Powells, 
and in Company with him rid to see the Botanical Garden 
of M' [William] Bartram ; which, tho' stored with many 
curious plants, Shrubs & trees, many of which are exotics 
was not laid off with much taste, nor was it large. 

" From hence we rid to the Farm of one Jones, to see 
the effect of the plaister of Paris which appeared obviously 
great. . . . From hence we visited M*" Powells own farm 
after which I went (by appointment) to the Hills & dined 
with M' & M" Morris — Returned to the City ab' dark." — 
Washington's Diary. 

The Bartram gardens, the first botanical gardens in the United States, 
were founded in 1728 by John Bartram, a distinguished botanist of Phila- 
delphia. They were situated on the west bank of the Schuylkill Kiver, a 
short distance below the lower ferry, afterward called Gray's Ferry. The 
house, built by him in 1731, is still standing. John Bartram, cited by Lin- 
naeus as the greatest natural botanist in the world, died September 2, 1777 ; 
he was succeeded by his son William, who had like tastes. Both father and 
son travelled extensively through the United States, collecting specimens. 
The gardens, comprising about seven acres in what is now the Twenty- 



80 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

seventh Ward of the city of Philadelphia, have been lately purchased with 
some additional land, by the city, for a public park. 

MONDAY, JUNE 11. 

At Philadelphia : " June 11. — Attended in Convention — 
Dined, drank Tea, and spent the evening in ray own Room." 

— Washington's Diary. 

'■'■June 12. — Dined and drank Tea at M' Morris's — went afterwards to a 
concert [of Mr. Keinagle] at the City Tavern. June 13. — In Convention — 
dined at M' Clymers & drank Tea there. Spent the evening at M'' Bing- 
hams. June 14. — Dined at Major [Thomas Lloj^d] Moores (after being in 
Convention) and spent the evening at my own lodgings. June 15. — In 
Convention as usual — dined at M'' Powells & drank Tea there. June 16. — 
In Convention — Dined with the Club at the City Tavern — and drank Tea 
at Doct' Shippins with M" Livingstons party." * — Washinfftoji's Diary. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 17. 

At Philadelphia : " June 17. — Went to [Christ] Church — 
heard Bishop White preach, and see him ordain two Gen- 
tlemen Deacons — after w"^ rid 8 Miles into the Country and 
dined with M' Jn° Ross in Chester County — Returned in 
the Afternoon." — Washington's Diary. 

'■'■June 18. — Attended the Convention — Dined at the Quarterly Meeting 
of the Sons of S* Patrick at the City Tav°— Drank Tea at D"- Shippins with 
M" Livingston. June 19. — Dined (after leaving Convention) in a family 
way at M' Morris's and spent the Evening there in a very large Company. 
June 20. — Attended Convention — Dined at M'' [Samuel] Merediths f & 
drank Tea there. June 21. — Attended Convention — Dined at M' Pragers, 
and spent the evening in my Chamber. June 22. — Dined at M"" Morris's «fe 
drank Tea with M' Frans. Hopkinson. June 23. — In Convention — Dined 
at Docf [Thomas] Ruston & drank Tea at M' Morris's. June 24.— Dined 
at M' Morris's & spent the evening at M' Meridiths— at Tea, June 25.— 
Attended Convention — Dined at M"' Morris's — drank Tea there «fe spent the 
evening in my chamber. June 26. — Attended Convention — partook of a 
family dinner with Gov' Randolph, — and made one of a party to drink Tea 

* Dr. William Shippen, the younger, and his daughter Anne Hume, who 
married Henry Beekman Livingston, son of Robert R. Livingston, March 
11, 1781. 

f Member of Congress 1787-88, and Treasurer of the United States from 
1789 to 1801. 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 81 

at Grays Ferry.* June 27. — In Convention — Dined at M' Morris's— drank 
Tea there also — and spent the evening in my own chamber. June 28. — At- 
tended Convention— Dined at M' Morris's in a large Company (the news of 
his Bills being protested arriving last Night a little Mal-apropos) — Drank 
Tea there & spent the evening in my chamber. Ju7ie 29. — In Convention — 
Dined at M' Morris's and spent the evening there." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 30. 

At Philadelphia : " June 30. — Attended Convention — 
Dined with a Club at Springsbury [? Springettsbury]— con- 
sisting of several associated families of the City — the Gen- 
tlemen of which met every Saturday accompanied by the 
females of the families every other Saturday — this was the 
ladies day." — Washington'' s Diary. 

Of this dining club, known as the "Cold Spring Club," we have been 
unable to obtain any information other than the fact that Tench Francis, 
the first cashier of the Bank of North America, acted as treasurer for it in 
the summers of 1786 and 1787. It is presumed that the place of meeting 
must have been at some point in the Springettsbury Manor, a large tract of 
land adjoining the city of Philadelphia on the northwest, and in which 
there were a number of large springs. Besides the Saturday above men- 
tioned, Washington dined with the club, as appears by his Diary, on July 7, 
14, 21, 28, on August 11 and 25, and on September 8. 

SUNDAY, JULY 1. 

At Philadelphia : " Every body wishes, every body expects 
something from the convention ; but what will be the final 
result of its deliberation, the book of fate must disclose. 
Persuaded I am, that the primary cause of all our disorders 
lies in the different State governments, and in the tenacity 

* The garden at Gray's Ferry, on the west side of the Schuylkill Eiver, 
three miles southwest of the city, was one of the most popular resorts of the 
day. The grounds were laid out with pleasant walks and ornamental 
shrubbery, and every means, such as concerts, fireworks, and the like, were 
used to make the place attractive. Out-of-door parties attended by the best 
people of the city were frequently held at the garden, and on several public 
occasions fetes were given by the proprietors, George and Robert Gray. 
Manasseh Cutler, who visited the garden at Gray's Ferry, July 14, 1787, 
gives in his journal an elaborate description of the beauty and arrangement 
of the grounds. 

6 



82 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

of that power, which pervades the whole of their systems." 
— Washington to David Stuart. 

^^ July 1. — Dined and spent the evening at home. July 2. — Attended 
Convention — Dined with some of the Members of Convention at the Indian 
Queen. Drank Tea at M' Binghams, and walked afterwards in the State 
house yard. Set this Morning for M' Pine who wanted to correct his port' 
of me."* — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, JULY 3. 

At Philadelphia : " July 3. — Sat before the meeting of the 
Convention for M' [Charles Willson] Peale who wanted my 
picture to make a print or Metzotinto by.f Dined at M' 
Morris's and drank Tea at M" Powells — after which in 
Company with him, I attended the agricultural Society at 
Carpenters Hall."| — Washington's Diary. 

'■'■July 3. — Keturning from a visit to my meadow before breakfast, with 
my daughter Hannah, we met His Excellency General "Washington taking 
a ride on horseback, only his coachman Giles with him." — Diary of Jacob 
Hiltzheimer. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4. 

At Philadelphia : " July 4. — ^Visited Doct' Shovats Ana- 
tomical figures — and (the Convention having adjourned for 
the purpose) went to hear an Oration on the Anniversary 
of Independence delivered by a M' Mitchell a student of 
Law. — After which I dined with the State Society of the 

* The portrait painted by Mr. Pine at Mount Vernon in May, 1785. 

f Mr. Peale made several copies of the bust portrait resulting from this 
and the subsequent sittings noted in the Diary, under dates of July 6 and 9. 
The mezzotinto executed from it is well known to collectors, although im- 
pressions of it have become extremely rare. A description of this interesting 
print will be found on page 18 of Baker's " Engraved Portraits of Washing- 
ton." 

J This building, in which the sessions of the Congress of 1774 (the First 
Continental Congress) were held, and to which Washington was a delegate, 
was erected by " The Carpenters Company of the City and County of Phila- 
delphia" in 1770. It is still standing in perfect preservation, back from the 
south side of Chestnut Street, below Fourth. 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 83 

Cincinnati at Epplees Tavern [No. 117 Race Street], and 
drank Tea at M' Powells." — Washington's Diary. 

The Pennsylvania Joitrtial of July 4, in the following notice of this cele- 
bration of the anniversary of independence, gives a difi'erent name for the 
orator of the day from that in the Diary : " THIS MORNING, at the hour 
of eleven being the Anniversary of Independence, an Oration will be pro- 
nounced by James Campbell, esquire, in honor of the day, at the Reformed 
Calvinist Church, in Race-street [below Fourth, south side] — the business 
of the day to be introduced by Prayer, by the Rev. William Rogers, and the 
doors to be opened at 10 o'clock." 

THURSDAY, JULY 5. 

At Philadelphia : " July 5. — Attended Convention — Dined 
at M"" Morris's and drank Tea there — spent the evening 
also." — Washington's Diary. 

'■'•July 6.— Sat for M' Peale in the Morning — attended Convention — 
Dined at the City Tavern with some members of Convention — and spent 
the evening at my lodgings. July 7. — Attended Convention — Dined with 
the Club at Springsburg — and drank Tea at M'' Meridiths." — Washington'' s 
Diary. 

SUNDAY, JULY 8. 

At Philadelphia : " July 8.— About 12 Oclock rid to Doct' 
Logans * near Germantown where I dined — Returned in 
the evening and drank Tea at M' Morris's." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'■'•July 9. — Sat in the Morning for M' Peale — Attended Convention — 
Dined at M"' Morris's — «& accompanied M" Morris to Docf [John] Red- 
mans 3 Miles in the Country where we drank Tea and returned. July 10. — 
Attended Convention — Dined at M' Morris's — Drank Tea at Mr. Binghams 
& went to the Play [at the South wark Theatre]. July 11. — Attended Con- 
vention — Dined at M' Morris's and spent the evening there. July 12. — In 
Convention — Dined at M'' Morris's & drank Tea with M" Livingston. July 
13. — In Convention — Dined, drank Tea & spent the Evening at M'' Morris's. 

* Dr. George Logan resided at " Stenton," on the Germantown road, a 
short distance below Germantown. The house built in 1728 by his grand- 
father James Logan is still standing. Washington passed the night of 
August 23, 1777, at " Stenton," when on his way to meet the British army 
under General Howe, at the Chesapeake. 



84 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

July 14. — In Convention — Dined at Springsbury with the Club — and went 
to the play in the Afternoon. July 15. — Dined at M'' Morris's & remained 
at home all day. July 16. — In Convention - Dined at M"' Morris's and 
drank Tea with M" Powell." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, JULY 17. 

At Philadelphia : " July 17. — In Convention — Dined at 
M" House's, and made an excursion with a party for Tea to 
Grays Ferry." — Washington's Diary 

'■'■July 17. — In the afternoon went with my wife, Matthew Clarkson, and 
Mr. & Mrs. Barge to Mr. Grays ferry, where we saw the great improve- 
ments made in the garden, summer houses, and walks in the woods. Gen- 
eral Washington and a number of other gentlemen of the present Conven- 
tion, came down to spend the afternoon." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18. 

At Philadelphia : " July 18. — In Convention — Dined at 
M' [Robert] Milligans — and drank Tea at M' Meridiths." — 
Washington's Diary. 

" July 19. — Dined (after coming out of Convention) at M'' John Penn the 
Youngers — Drank Tea & spent the evening at my lodgings. July 20. — In 
Convention — Dined at home and drank Tea at M'' Clymers. July 21. — In 
Convention — Dined at Springsbury with the Club of Gentl™ & Ladies — 
Went to the Play afterwards" — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, JULY 22. 

At Philadelphia : " July 22.— Left Town by 5 oclock A.M. 
— breakfasted at Gen^ Mifflins — Rode up with him & others 
to the Spring Mills * and returned to Gen^ Mifflins to Din- 



* On the Schuylkill, a short distance below Conshohocken, the Matson's 
Ford of the Revolution. The old mill, said to be the oldest grist-mill in 
Pennsylvania, is still in operation. Washington visited Spring Mill for the 
purpose of inspecting the vineyard and bee colony established there by Peter 
Legaux, a Frenchman of intelli^CTice who came to this country in 1785. 
The following entry in Mr. Legaux's manuscript diary refers to this visit : 
"■ July 22, 1787. — This day Gen. Washington, Gen. Mifflin and four others 
of the Convention did us the honor of paying us a visit in order to see our 
vineyard and bee houses. In this they found great delight, asked a number 
of questions, and testified their highest approbation with my manner of 
managing bees, which gave me a great deal of pleasure." 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 85 

ner after which proceeded to the City." — Washington'' s 
Diary. 

^'^ July 23. — In Convention as usual — Dined at M' Morris's and drank Tea 
at Lansdown* (the Seat of M'' Penn). July 24. — In Convention — Dined at 
M'' Morris's, and drank Tea, by appointment & parf Invitation at Docf 
[Benjamin] Rush's. July 25. — In Convention — Dined at Mr. Morris's, 
drank Tea & spent the evening there. July 26. — In Convention. — Dined at 
M"^ Morris's, drank Tea there, and stayed within all the Afternoon." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, JULY 27. 

At Philadelphia: '■'' July 27. — In Convention, which ad- 
journed this day, to meet again on Monday the 6"" of August f 
that a Com*® which had been appointed (consisting of 5 
members I) might have time to arrange, and draw into 
method k form the several matters which had been agreed 
to by the Convention as a Constitution for the United States. 

" Dined at M' Morris's, and drank Tea at M' Powells." — 
Washington^ Diary. 

'^'^ July 28. — Dined with the Club at Springsbury — Drank Tea there — and 
spent the Evening at my lodgings. July 29. — Dined and spent the whole 
day at,M' Morris's principally in writing letters." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, JULY 30. 

Near Valley Forge : " July 30. — In company with M' 
Gov' [Gouverneur] Morris, and in his Phoeton with my 

* " Lansdowne," originally comprising about two hundred acres and im- 
mediately south of "Belmont," the seat of Judge Peters, was one of the 
finest properties on the west bank of the Schuylkill. The mansion-house, 
erected by John Penn the elder, was destroyed by fire July 4, 1854. In 
1707 "Lansdowne" became the property of William Bingham, from whom 
it descended to the Barings, which family retained possession of it until 
about 1866, when it was purchased by citizens of Philadelphia, ceded to the 
city, and is now included in Fairmount Park. 

f According to the Journal of the Convention in the archives of the De- 
partment of State, "Washington, D.C.. the adjournment to August 6 was 
made on July 26, and not on the 27th, as stated by Washington. 

X John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ells- 
worth, and James Wilson. 



86 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

horses; went up to one Jane Moores in the vicinity of 
Valley Forge to get Trout." — Washington' s Diary. 

The Jane Moore referred to was the owner and occupant of two hundred 
and seventy-five acres of land in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery 
County, Pennsylvania. The property was situated about one mile west of 
the Schuylkill Elver, on Trout Creek, a stream which has its source in 
Chester County near the present village of Berwyn, and empties into the 
Schuylkill three miles below Valley Forge. It has been stated that " Moore 
Hall," the seat of William Moore, Esq., three miles above Valley Forge, was 
the objective point of the excursion recorded in the Diary. This is undoubt- 
edly an error. William Moore died May 30, 1782, and his widow William- 
ina, December 6, 1784, after which the family removed to Philadelphia. 
" Moore Hall" was advertised for private sale July 5, 1787, and offered at 
public vendue October 17, 1787. It was probably not occupied in July of 
that year. The mistake doubtless had its origin in an item printed in the 
Pennsylvania Packet (and other Philadelphia papers), Wednesday, August 
1, 1787: "Monday his Excellency General Washington set out for Moore 
Hall in order to visit his old quarters at the Valley Forge in this State." A 
statement at variance with the Diary entry. 

TUESDAY, JULY 31. 

At Valley Forge : " July 31.— Whilst M"" Morris was fish- 
ing I rid over the old Cantonment of the American [army] 
of the Winter 1777 & 8 — visited all the Works w"^ were in 
Ruins ; and the Incampments in woods where the ground 
had not been cultivated. . . . On my Return to M" Moores 
I found M' Rob' Morris & his Lady there." — Washington's 
Diary. 

^^ August 1. — About 11 o'clock, after it had ceased raining, we all set out 
for the City — and dined at M'' Morris's. August 2. — Dined, Drank Tea & 
spent the Evening at M'' Morris's.'' — Washington's Diary. 

FKIDAY, AUGUST 3.* 

At Trenton, ITew Jersey : " August 3. — In company with 
M' Rob* Morris and his Lady — and M'^ Gouv"" Morris I went 



* " Philadelphia, August 4. — His Excellency General Washington attentive 
to every thing interesting to his country, yesterday [August 3] visited and 
examined the steel furnace belonging to Nancarrow and Matlack, lately re- 
built, in this city. It is much the largest and best constructed furnace in 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 87 

up to Trenton on another Fishing party — lodged at CoP 
Sam Ogdens at the Trenton [Iron] Works — In the Evening 
fished, not very successfully." — Washington's Diary. 

^'■August 4. — In the morning, and between breakfast & dinner, fished 
again with more success (for perch) than yesterday — Dined at Gen' [Phile- 
mon] Dickenson's on the East side of the River a little above Trenton & 
returned in the evening to Col" Ogden's. August 5. — Dined at Col" Ogdens, 
early ; after which in the company with which I came, 1 returned to Phila- 
delphia at which we arrived ab' 9 Ocl''." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 6. 

At Philadelphia : " August 6. — Met according to adjourn- 
ment in Convention, & received the Rep' of the Committee 
—Dined at M' Morris's and drank Tea at M' Meridiths." 
— Washington's Diary. 

" August 7. — In Convention — Dined at M' Morris's and spent the evening 
there also. August 8. — In Convention — Dined at the City Tavern and re- 
mained there till near ten o'clock. August 9. — In Convention — Dined at M"^ 
[John] Swanwicks and spent the Aftern" in my own Room — reading letters 
and ace'' from home. August 10. — Dined (after coming out of Convention) 
at M"' Binghams and drank Tea there — spent the evening at my lodgings. 
August 11. — In Convention — Dined at the Club at Springsbury and after 
Tea returned home. August 12. — Dined at Bush-hill with M'' William 
Hamilton — Spent the evening at home writing letters. August 13. — In Con- 
vention — Dined at M'' Morris's, and drank Tea with M" Richard Bache, at 
the President's. August 14. — In Convention — Dined, drank Tea, and spent 
the evening at home. August 15. — The same as yesterday. August 16. — 
In Convention — Dined at M'' Pollocks *& spent the evening in my chamber. 
August 17. — In Convention — Dined and drank Tea at M'' Powells. August 
18. — In Convention — Dined at Chief Justice [Thomas] McKeans — spent 
the afternoon & evening at my lodgings." — Washington's Diary. 

America, being charged with fourteen tons of iron at that time, converting 
into steel ; and His Excellency was pleased to express his approbation of it." 
— Pennsylvania Packet. 

* Oliver Pollock, an Irishman by birth and at one time a prominent mer- 
chant in New Orleans. He espoused the cause of the Colonies and rendered 
substantial pecuniary aid during the war for independence. Mr. Pollock died 
in Mississippi, December 17, 1823, at an advanced age. 



88 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19. 

At Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania : ^^ August 19. — In company 
with M"" Powell rode up to the White Marsh — traversed my 
old Incampment,* and contemplated on the dangers which 
threatened the American Army at that place — Dined at 
Germantown — visited M' Blair M^Cleneganf — drank Tea 
at ]SP Peter's [Belmont] and returned to Philadelphia in the 
evening." — Washington's Diary. 

"August 20. — In Convention — Dined, drank Tea and spent the evening 
at M' Morris. August 21. — Did the like this day also. August 22. — In 
Convention — Dined at M'' Morris's farm at the Hills — visited at M' Powells 
in the Afternoon. August 23. — In Convention — Dined, drank Tea & spent 
the evening at M"" Morris's. August 24. — Did the same this day. August 25. 
— In Convention — Dined with the Cluh at Springsburj- & spent the after- 
noon at my lodgings. August 26. — Rode into the Country for exercise 8 or 
10 miles — Dined at the Hills and spent the evening in my charhber writing 
letters. August 27. — In Convention — Dined at M'' Morris's and drank Tea 
at M"" Powells. August 28. — In Convention — Dined, drank Tea, and spent 
the evening at M' Morris's. August 29. — Did the same as yesterday. 
August 30. — Again the same. August 31. — In Convention — Dined at M'' 
Morris's and with a Party went to Lansdale [Lansdowne]& drank Tea with 
M^ «fc M" Penn. September 1. — Dined at M'' Morris after coming out of 
Convention and drank Tea there. September 2. — Rode to M'' Bartrams and 
other places in the Country, — Dined & drank Tea at Grays ferry and returned 
to the City in the evening." — Washington s Diary. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3. 

At Philadelphia : " September 3. — In Convention — visited 
a Machine at Docf Franklins (called a Mangle) for pressing, 
in place of Ironing, clothes from the wash — "Which Machine 
from the facility with which it dispatches business is well 
calculated for Table cloths & such articles as have not pleats 

* The Continental army was encamped at Whitemarsh, twelve miles north 
of Philadelphia, from November 2 to December 11, 1777. 

t Blair McClenachan, a prominent merchant of Philadelphia, was at this 
time a resident of the historic Chew Hotise (Cliveden) at Germantown, still 
standing, which he had purchased from Benjamin Chew in September, 1779. 
He retained the ownership until April, 1797, when he reconveyed the prop- 
erty to Judge Chew. 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 89 

& irregular foldings and would be very useful in all large 
families — Dined, drank Tea & spent the evening at M' 
Morris's." — Washington's Diary. 



^^ September 4^. — In Convention — Dined &c at M' Morris's. September b. 
— In Convention— Dined at M" Houses & drank Tea at M'' Binghams. 
September 6. — In Convention — Dined at Docf [James] Hutchinsons and 
spent the afternoon and evening at M'' Morris's. September 7. — In Conven- 
tion — Dined, and spent the afternoon at home (except while riding a few 
Miles). September 8. — In Convention — Dined at Spriugsbury with the 
Club — and spent the evening at my lodgings. September 9. — Dined at M'' 
Morris's after making a visit to M' Gardoqui (Minister from Spain) who as 
he says came from New York on a visit to me. September 10. — In Conven- 
tion — Dined at M' Morris's & drank Tea there. September 11. — In Conven- 
ticii — Dined at home in a large Company with M' Gardoqui — drank Tea — 
and spent the evening there. September 12. — In Convention — Dined at the 
President's and drank Tea at M'' Pines." — Washington' s Diary. 

THUKSDAT, SEPTEMBEK 13. 

At Philadelphia : " September 13. — Attended Convention, 
Dined at the Vice Presidents Cha' Biddies * — Drank Tea at 
M'' Powells." — Washington's Diary. 

"When he [Washington] was in the Convention I dined several times in 
company with him, and had the honor of his company to dine with me. 
When he was elected President of the United States, he lived during the 
whole of the time he was in Philadelphia nearly opposite to me. At that 
time I saw him almost daily. I frequently attended his levees to introduce 
some friend or acquaintance and called sometimes with Governor Mifflin. 
The General always behaved politely to the Governor, but it appeared to me 
that he had not forgotten the Governor's opposition to him during the Revo- 
lutionary war. He was a most elegant figure of a man, with so much 
dignity of manner, that no person whatever could take any improper liber- 
ties with him. I have heard M' Robert Morris, who was as intimate with 
him as any man in America, say that he was the only man in whose pres- 
ence he felt any awe. You would seldom see a frown or a smile on his 
countenance, his air was serious and reflecting, yet I have seen him in the 
theatre laugh heartily." — Autobiography of Charles Biddle, p. 284. 

* Charles Biddle was Vice-President of Pennsylvania from October 10, 
1785, to October 9, 1787. 



90 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. 

At Philadelphia : " September 14. — Attended Convention 
— Dined at the City Tavern, at an entertainm* given on my 
ace* by the City light Horse. — Spent the evening at M' 

Meridiths." — Washington's Diary. ^ 

The "City light Horse," now known as the "First Troop Philadelphia 
City Cavalry," was organized November 17, 1774. Of this crack company 
it has been said, "That troop proved time and time again, as Lee's and 
Washington's Legion subsequently proved in the Carolinas, that there is 
room in society for the order of gentlemen, and that in time of stress it is 
well for the State to have a class to call on who will die as gayly as they 
dance, and will pour out their blood, as they were wont to do their fortunes, 
for faith and honor, for sentiment and ideals." * 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. 

At Philadelphia : " September 15. — Concluded the business 
of Convention all to signing the proceedings; to effect 
which the House sat till 6 oclock ; and adjourned till Mon- 
day that the Constitution which it was proposed to offer to 
the People might be engrossed — and a number of printed 
copies struck off — Dined at M' Morris's & spent the evening- 
there. 

" M' Gardoqui set off for his return to New York this 
forenoon." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ September 16. — Wrote many letters in the forenoon — Dined with M"" & 
M" Morris at the Hills & returned to town in the Evens." — Washington's 
Diary. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. 

At Philadelphia : " September 17. — Met in Convention 
when the Constitution received the unanimous assent of 11 
States t and Col" Hamilton's from New York (the only 

* Bradley T. Johnson, " Life of General Washington," p. 159. 

t When it appeared that the consent of eleven States was recorded in favor 
of the Constitution, Franklin, looking toward a sun which was blazoned on 
the President's chair, said of it to those near him, " In the vicissitudes of 
hope and fear I was not able to tell whether it was rising or setting ; now I 
know that it is the rising sun." 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 91 

delegate from thence in Convention) and was subscribed to 
by every Member present except Gov' Randolph and CoP 
Mason from Virginia — & M' Gerry from Massachusetts. 

" The business being thus closed, the Members adjourned 
to the City Tavern, dined together and took a cordial leave 
of each other — after which I returned to my lodgings — did 
some business with, and received the papers from the Sec- 
retary of the Convention, and retired to meditate on the 
momentous w^ which had been executed, after not less 
than five, for a large part of the time Six, and sometimes 7 
hours sitting every day [except], Sundays & the ten days 
adjournment to give a Com** opportunity & time to arrange 
the business for more than four Months." — Washington's 
Diary. 

In transmitting to the President of Congress the full text of the proposed 
Constitution, Washington wrote, "In all our deliberations on this subject 
we kept steadily in our view, that which appears to us the greatest interest 
of every true American, the consolidation of our Union, in which is involved 
our prosperity, felicity, safety, perhaps our national existence. This impor- 
tant consideration, seriously and deeply impressed on our minds, led each 
state in the Convention to be less rigid on points of inferior magnitude than 
might have been otherwise expected ; and thus the Constitution, which we 
now present, is the result of a spirit of amity, and of that mutual deference 
and concession which the peculiarity of our political situation rendered indis- 
pensible. ' ' • 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBEK 18. 

Leaves Philadelphia: ^^ September 18. — Finished what 
private business I had to do in the City this forenoon — took 
my leave of those families in w*'* I had been most intimate 
dined early at M' Morris's with whom & M'' Gouv'' Morris 
I parted at Grays ferry — and reached Chester in Company 
with M' [John] Blair who I invited to a seat in my Carriage 
'till we should reach Mount Vernon." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ September 19. — Prevented by Kain (much of which fell in the Night) 
from setting off till about 8 o'clock, when it ceased & promising to be fair 
we departed — baited at "Wilmington — dined at Christiana and lodged at the 
head of Elk. — At the bridge near to which my horses (two of them) and 



92 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

Carriage had a very narrow escape, for the Kain which had fallen the pro- 
ceeding evening having swelled the water considerably there was no fording 
it safely I was reduced to the necessity therefore of remaining on the other 
side or of attempting to cross on an old, rotten »fe long disused bridge — Being 
anxious to get on I preferred the latter and in the attempt one of my horses 
fell 15 feet at least the other very near following which (had it happened) 
would have taken the Carriage with baggage along with him and destroyed 
the whole effectually — however by prompt assistance of some people at a 
Mill just by and great exertion, the first horse was disengaged from his 
harness, the 2'* prevented from going quite through and drawn off and the 
Carriage rescued from hurt. September 20. — Sett off after an early breakfast 
— crossed the Susquehanna and dined in Havre de gras at the House of one 
Eogers — and lodged at Skirrets Tavern 12 Miles short of Baltimore. Sep- 
iember 21. — Breakfasted in Baltimore — dined at the Widow Balls (formerly 
Spurriers) — and lodged at Major Snowdens who was not at home." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

SATUKDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 22. — Breakfasted at 
Bladensburgh and passing through George Town dined in 
Alexandria and reached home (with M"" Blair) about sun set 
after an absence of four Months and 14 days." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " In the first moment after my return, 
I take the liberty of sending. to you a copy of the constitu- 
tion, which the federal convention has submitted to the 
people of these States. ... I wish the constitution which 
is offered, had been more perfect ; but I sincerely believe it 
is the best that could be obtained at this time." — Washing- 
ton to Patrick Henry. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3. 

At Abingdon : " October 3. — Went up with M" "Washing- 
ton to Abingdon — Dined at M' Herberts in Alexandria on 
our way." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 4. — Dined at Abingdon and came home in the Afternoon — bro* 
Eanny Washington with us." — Washington's Diary. 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 93 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 5. — In the Afternoon M' 
Alex' Donald came in. October 7. — After breakfast M' 
Donald went away." — Washington's Diary. 

" I staid two days with General Washington at Mount Vernon about six 
weeks ago. He is in perfect good health, and looks almost as well as he did 
twenty years ago. I never saw him so keen for anything in my life as he 
is for the adoption of the new scheme of government. As the eyes of all 
America are turned towards this truly great and good man for the first 
President, I took the liberty of sounding him upon it. He appears to be 
earnestly against going into public life again ; pleads in excuse for himself 
his love of retirement and his advanced age, but notwithstanding of these, 
I am fully of opinion he may be induced to appear once more on the public 
stage of life. I form my opinion from what passed between us in a very 
long and serious conversation, as well as from what I could gather from 
Mrs. Washington on the same subject." — Alexander Donald to Thomas 
Jefferson, November 12, 1787. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 6. — Towards evening M"" & 
M" [Samuel] Powell of Philadelphia came in." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

" October 8. — Rid with M' Powell to my Plantations at Muddy hole, Dogue 
run Frenchs & the Ferry. October 9. — Rid with M"' & M" Powell to view 
the ruins of Belvoir. October 10. — M' & M" Powell going away after an 
early breakfast I rid to all my Plantations." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 11. — In the evening Gen. 
[Charles Cotes worth] Pinkney and his Lady came in on 
their return to South Carolina from the Federal Conven- 
tion." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 14. — A Severe frost this 
Morning, which killed Pease, Buckwheat, Pumpkins, Po- 
tatoe Vines &c turning them quite black." — Washington's 
Diary. 



94 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22. 

At George Town : " October 22. — Went up to a meeting 
of the Pot' Company at George Town — called at Muddy 
hole Plantation in my way — did the business which called 
the Com^ together — dined at Shuters Tavern and returned 
as far as Abingdon at Night." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ October 23. — After a very early breakfast at Abingdon, I arrived at 
Muddy hole Plantation by 8 o'clock." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 27. — Went to the Woods 
back of Muddy hole with the hounds— unkennelled 2 foxes 
and dragged others but caught none — the dogs running 
wildly and being under no command." — Washington'' s Diarg. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28. 

At Pohick Church : " October 28.— Went to Pohick Church 
— M' Lear & Washington Custis in the Carriage with me." 
— Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1. 

At Alexandria : " November 1. — Eid by the way of Muddy 
hole where the people were taking up Turnips to transplant 
for Seed to Alexandria to attend a Meeting of the Directors 
of the Potomack Company — also the exhibition of the Boys 
of the Academy in this place. — Dined at Lehigh [? Leigh's] 
Tavern & lodged at Col° Fitzgerald's after returning ab* 11 
o'clock at ISTight from the performance which was well exe- 
cuted." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 2. — After breakfast I returned home by way of Muddy hole, 
Dogue Run, Frenchs and the Ferry." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 4. — After the Candles were 
lighted M'' & M" Powell came in." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 5. — M'' & M" Powell remaining here I continued at home 
all day. November 6. — M'' «S: M" Powell crossing the River to M"' Digges a 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 95 

little after sun rise I accompanied them that far & having my horse carried 
into the Neck I rid round that and all the other plantations." — Washingio7i' s 
Diary. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8. 

At Alexandria : " November 8. — Went up to Alexandria to 
meet the Directors of the Potomack Comp^ — Dined at M'' 
Leighs Tavern and ref* in the afternoon." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" November 15. — Went to Alexandria to an Election of a Senator, for the 
district of Fairfax & Prince "William. . . . Gave my suffrage for M'' Tho^ 
West who with a M' Pope from the other County were Candidates and 
returned home to dinner through the midst of the Rain from an apprehen- 
sion that the weather was not likely to abate in the evening." — Washington's 
Diary. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 18. — To dinner came M'' 
Potts his wife and Brother and M'' Wilson from Alexandria 
— and soon after them Co? Humphreys." — Washington'' s 
Diary. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19. 

At Mount Yernon : " November 19. — M' Kob* Morris, M' 
Gou' [Gouverneur] Morris & Doct'' Ruston came in before 
Dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 21. — Mess" Morris's & Docf Ruston went away after Break- 
fast — with the first two I rid a few Miles — and then visited my plantations 
at Frenchs, Dogue Run & Muddy hole on my Return." — Washington's 
Diary. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 29. — In Company with 
CoP Humphreys Maj' Washington & M"" Lear went a hunt- 
ing, found a fox about 11 o'clock near the Pincushion — run 
him hard for near 3 quarters of an hour & then lost him. 
M" Lund Washington who joined us, came & dined with us 
and returned afterwards." — Washington's Diary. 



96 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1787 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30. 

At Mount Vernon : " I have seen no publication yet, that 
ought in my judgment to shake the proposed constitution in 
the mind of an impartial and candid public. In fine, I have 
hardly seen one, that is not addressed to the passions of the 
people, and obviously calculated to alarm their fears. Every 
attempt to amend the constitution at this time is in my 
opinion idle and vain." — Washington to David Stuart. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 1. — Went with Col" Hum- 
phreys, Maj"" W. & M' Lear a fox hunting, found a fox ab' 
9 oclock & run him hard till near 10 and lost him." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

'^December 5. — Went out, in Company with Col" Humphreys, with the 
hounds after we had breakfasted — took the drag of a Fox on the side of 
Hunting Creek near the Cedar gut — carried it through Muddy hole Planta- 
tion into the "Woods back of it — and lost it near the Main Road. December 
8. — Went a hunting after breakfast; about Noon found a fox between 
Muddy hole & Pincushion, which the Dogs run for some time in Wood 
thro which there was no following them so whether they caught, or lost it is 
uncertain." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 15. — A little after Sun 
rise, in company with the Gentlemen who came yesterday 
[Messrs. Rumney, Manshur, and Porter] — Col° Humphreys, 
Maj' Washington & M' Lear, went a hunting ; but did not 
get a fox on foot nor is it certain we ever touched on the 
trail of one. — The Gentlem" and Lund Washington (who 
joined us) came home to dinner & returned home after- 
wards." — Washington's Diary. 

" December 22. — After our usual breakfasting Col" Humphreys, Maj"" 
Washington & my.self with M'' Lear went out with the hounds— dragged up 
the Creek to the Gum Spring and then the Woods between Muddy hole, 
Dogue Run &Col° Masons Quarters without touching on the trail of a fox. — 
I visited the Plantations (in going out & coming home) except the Neck. 
December 26. — Col" Humphreys, the Gentlemen of the family & myself 



1787] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 97 

went out with the hounds but found nothing, tho much ground was gone 
over. December 28. — Went out with the hounds to day — took the drag of a 
fox within my Muddy hole Inclosures, and found him in Stiths field (lately 
Herberts) run him hard about half an hour — came to a cold drag & then 
lost him." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 29. — Rid (the hollidays 
being end) to the Plantations at the Ferry, Frenchs, Dogue 
Run, and Muddy hole." — Washington's Diary. 



1788. 



TUESDAY, JANUARY 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " I have the pleasure to inform you, 
that there is the greatest prospect of its [the Constitution] 
being adopted by the people. It has its opponents, as any 
system formed by the wisdom of man would undoubtedly 
have ; but they bear but a small proportion to its friends, 
and differ among themselves in their objections. Pennsyl- 
vania, Delaware, and New Jersey have already decided in 
its favor, the first by a majority of two to one, and the two 
last unanimously." — Washington to William Gordon. 

The National Constitution was ratified by the different States in the fol- 
lowing order: Delaware, December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania, December 12; 
New Jersey, December 18 ; Georgia, January 2, 1788 ; Connecticut, January 
9; Massachusetts, February 6; Maryland, April 28; South Carolina, May 
23 ; New Hampshire, June 21 ; Virginia, June 25 ; New York, July 26 ; 
North Carolina, November 21, 1789; Rhode Island, May 29, 1790, 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 5. — About Eight oclock in 
the evening we were alarmed, and the house a good deal 
en"dangered by the soot of one of the Chimneys taking fire 
& burning furiously, discharging great flakes of fire on the 
Roof but happily by having aid at hand and proper exertion 
no damage ensued." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8. 

At Mount Vernon : " There are some things in the new 
form, I will readily acknowledge, which never did, and I 
am persuaded never will, obtain my cordial approbation ; 
but I did then conceive, and do now most firmly believe, 
that in the aggregate it is the best constitution that can be 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 99 

obtained at this epoch, and that this, or a dissolution of the 
Union, awaits our choice, and is the only alternative before 
us. Thus believing, I had not, nor have I now, any hesita- 
tion in deciding on which to lean." — Washington to Edmund 
Randolph. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9. 

At Mount Yernon: ^^ January 9. — Col" [Edward] Car- 
rington came here to Dinner — I continued at home all 
day." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ January 10. — Col" Carrington left this after breakfast (on my horses) for 
Colchester ; to meet the Stage. " — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " Perceiving that the Federalist., under 
the signature of Publius, is about to be republished, I 
would thank you to forward to me three or four copies, one 
of which to be bound, and inform me of the cost."- — Wash- 
ington to James Madison., at New York. 



The " Federalist," a collection of essays written in favor of the new Con- 
stitution by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander HamiltoQ, under 
the signature of Publius, was first published in book form at New York in 
May, 1788, in two 12mo volumes. Only one copy of the book is included 
in the inventory of the library at Mount Vernon, made after the death of 
Washington. It was valued at one dollar and a half. Tlieso volumes, 
handsomely bound, were sold at Philadelphia in November, 1876, for one 
hundred dollars, and resold February, 1891, in the same city, for nineteen 
hundred dollars. 

Under date of August 28, 1788, Washington wrote to Alexander Hamil- 
ton, " As the perusal of the political papers under the signature of Publius 
has afibrded me great satisfaction, I shall certainly consider them as claiming 
a most distinguished place in my library. I have read every performance, 
which has been printed on one side and the other of the great question lately 
agitated, so far as I have been able to obtain them ; and, without an un- 
meaning compliment, I will say, that I have seen no other so well calculated, 
in my judgment, to produce conviction on an unbiassed mind, as the produc- 
tion of your triumvirate.' ' 



100 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1788 

WEDNESDAY, FEBKUARY 13. • 

At Mount Vernon : " February 13. — The Marq' de Chap- 
pedelaine (introduced by letters from Gen^ Knox, M' Bing- 
ham &c*) Capt" Enew (a British Officer) Col* Fitzgerald, 
M' Hunter, M' Nelson k M' Ingraham came here to Dinner 
— all of whom returned [to Alexandria] after it except the 
last." — Washingtoiv' s Diary. 

^^ February 14. — On my return from Eiding [to the plantations], I found 
the Marq' de Chappedelaine and Docter Lee here — both of whom stayed all 
Night. February 15. — Let out a Fox (which had been taken alive some 
days ago) and after chasing it an hour lost it. The Marquis de Chappe- 
delaine & M*^ Ingraham returned to Alexandria after Dinner." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 14. 

At Alexandria : " March 14. — Went with M" Washington 
to Alexandria — ^Visited Capt" Conway Doct' Craik, Col" 
Sam^ Hanson, M' Murray, & M"" Porter with the last of 
whom we dined — returned in the Even." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" March 17. — "Went up [to Alexandria] (accompanied by Col" Humphreys) 
to the Election of Delegates to the Convention of this State (for the purpose 
of considering the New form of Governm' which has been recommended to 
the United States) ; When Doct' Stuart and Col" [Charles] Simnis were 
chosen with out opposition —Dined at Col° Fitzgeralds and returned in the 
Evening. ' ' — Washington'' s Diary. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 18. 

At Mount Vernon : '■'■ March 18. — M' Madison on his way 
from New York to Orange [County] came in before dinner 
and stayed all Night. March 20. — M'' Madison (in my Car- 
riage) went after breakfast to Colchester to fall in with the 
Stage." — Washington' s Diary. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " April 6. — Sent my two Jackasses 
to the Election at Marlborough in Maryl* that they might 
be seen." — Washington's Diary. 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 101 

TUESDAY, APRIL 8. 

At Abingdon : " April 8. — About 10 oclock, in company 
with Col" Humphreys, M" "Washington, Harriott Washing- 
ton * and Washington Custis I set of for Abingdon — where 
we dined and stayed all Night. April 9. — Dined at Abing- 
don and returned home in the evening — all, except Harriot 
Washington." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 13. 

At Alexandria : " April 13. — Went to Church at Alex- 
andria accompanied by Col" Humphreys M' Lear, & Wash- 
ington Custis — brought Hariot Washington home with us 
who had been left at Abingdon & came to Church with M"" 
Stuart." — Washington's Diary. 

At Alexandria, Washington attended Christ Church (Protestant Episco- 
pal), erected in 1773, and still standing, the present rector being the Rev. 
Berryman Green. The Rev. David Griffith, chaplain of the Third Virginia 
Regiment in the Revolution, and who was a frequent visitor at Mount 
Vernon, officiated from 1780 until his decease in 1789. Dr. Griffith was 
succeeded by Bryan Fairfax, brother of George William Fairfax, of " Bel- 
voir," who served from 1790 to 1792. The Rev. Thomas Davis, toward 
whose salary Washington made an annual subscription of ten pounds, and 
who officiated at his funeral, succeeded Mr. Fairfax. The church owns a 
Bible, presented to it by George Washington Parke Custis, which formerly 
belonged to General Washington. 

MONDAY, APRIL 21. 

At Alexandria : " April 21. — Went to Alexandria to the 
Election of a Senator for the district and delegates for the 
County in the General Assembly — when M' Pope was 
chosen for the first and M' Roger West, and Docf Stuart 
for the latter — Dined at Doct"' Cr''* and came home in the 
evening." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, APRIL 28. 

At Mount Vernon : " All the public attention has been, 
for many months past, engrossed by a new constitution. It 

* The youngest child of Samuel Washington, brother of the General, who 
died in 1781. She married (July 4, 1796) Andrew Parks, of Baltimore. 



102 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1788 

has met with some opposition from men of abilities, but it 
has been much more ably advocated. Six States have ac- 
cepted it. The opinion is, that Maryland and South Caro- 
lina will soon do the same. One more State only will be 
wanting to put the government into execution." — Washing- 
ton to Count de Rochambeau. 

According to the provisions of Article VII., the ratification of the conven- 
tions of nine States was requisite for the establishment of the Constitution 
between the States so ratifying the same. Maryland accepted it on the day 
the above-quoted letter was written, South Carolina on May 23, and New 
Hampshire, the ninth State, on June 21. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30. 

At Mount Yernon : " Influenced by a heartfelt desire to 
promote the cause of science in general, and the prosperity 
of the College of William and Mary in particular, I accept 
the office of chancellor in the same ; and request you will 
be pleased to give official notice thereof to the learned 
body, who have thought proper to honor me with the ap- 
pointment." — Washington to Samuel Griffin. 

THURSDAY, MAY 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 15. — ^Visited all the Plantations 
— and the Brick yard — where a small kiln of Brick were 
forming to Burn." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, MAY 17. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 17. — M" [Robert] Morris, Miss 
Morris and her two Sons [Robert and Thomas] (lately ar- 
rived from Europe) came here about 11 Ocl''." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

" May 18. — About one oclock, Col" Andrew Lewis of Bottetout came in 
— dined, & returned to Alexandria in the afternoon. May 20. — Rid in com- 
pany with M" Morris, M" Washington, the two M"" Morris's & Col" Hum- 
phreys to my Mill, and returned home thro' French^ «& the Ferry Plantations 
& by the Brick yard. May 22. — M""' Morris having (by the Stage of yester- 
day) Received a request from M'' Morris to proceed to Richmond, set ofl" for 
that place ab' 9 o'clock this Morning, with her two Sons & daughter. — Col" 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 103 

Humphreys & myself accompanied her to Colchester, & returned to dinner. ' ' 
— Washington's Diary. 

SATUEDAY, MAY 31. 

Leaves Mount Yernon : '■''May 31. — After an early dinner, 
in company with Col" Humphreys, I set out for a meeting 
of the Directors of the Potomack Company to be held at 
the Falls of Shenandoah on Monday next — reached M' 
Fairfax's about an hour by Sun, who with his Lady were 
at Alexandria ; but a cloud which threatened rain, induced 
us notwithstanding to remain there all night." — Washing- 
ton'' s Diary. 

'■'■June 1. — About Sunrise, we set out for the Great Falls, where having 
met M' Smith (the assistant Manager who resides at the works at the Seneca 
falls) we examined the Canal, banks and other operations at this place . . . 
from hence we proceeded by a small cut, & wall About a mile higher up the 
Kiver to the Seneca falls. ... At this place we breakfasted, and in Com- 
pany with M' Smith continued our journey — Dined at Leesburgh — & lodged 
at M'' Jn» Houghs. June 2. — About 5 oclock, after an early breakfast, we 
set otF, pilotted by M' Hugh [? Hough] thro' by Roads, over the short hills 
— by the House & Mill of one Belt for the M° of Shenandoah where we 
arrived partly by a good & partly by a rugged Eoad at half after eight 
oclock — distance about 12 Miles — Soon after came Gov' Johnson, and about 
10 oclock Gov'' Lee & Col" Gilpin arrived — "We then, together crossed the 
River, walked up to the head of the Canal on the Maryland side & viewed 
all the Works. . . . After dinner the board set. . . . June 3. — Having ac- 
complished all the business that came before the board by 10 oclock — the 
members seperated — and I (Col" Humphreys having returned the day before) 
went to my Brothers [Charles] about eii^ht miles oif — dined there — and con- 
tinued on in the Afternoon to Colonel Warner Washington's where I spent 
the evening. June 4. — About 7 o'clock I left this place, Fairfield, bated at 
a small Tavern (Bacon fort) 15 Miles distant — dined at the Tavern of one 
Lacey 14 Miles further and lodged at Newgate 16 Miles lower down." — 
Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " Jwie 5. — After an early breakfast I 
continued my journey by the upper and lower churches of 
this Parish [Truro] & passing through my Plantations at 
Dogue Run, Frenchs, and the Ferry — and the N'ew Barn I 



104 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1788 

reached home about Noon in about 28 Miles riding where 
I found Co? Humphreys who had just got in before me 
from Abingdon." — Washington'' s Diary. 

MONDAY, JUNE 9. 

At Mount Vernon : " Jime 9. — Capt° [Joshua] Barney, in 
the Miniature Ship Federahst^ — as a present from the Mer- 
chants of Baltimore to me arrived here to Breakfast with 
her and stayed all day & Night." — Washington's Diary. 

The citizens of Baltimore celebrated the adoption of the Constitution in 
Maryland by a procession in which a small boat fifteen feet in length, com- 
pletely rigged and perfectly equipped as a ship, called " The Federalist," was 
a conspicuous feature. It was mounted on wheels and drawn by four 
horses. Captain Barney commanded the ship. After the pageant was 
over, it was resolved to present the ship to General Washington, in the 
name of the merchants and ship-owners of Baltimore. It was launched and 
navigated by Captain Barney down the Chesapeake Bay to the mouth of the 
Potomac, and thence up the river to Mount Vernon. " The Federalist" was 
driven from her moorings on the night of July 23 by a high northeast wind, 
and sunk. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 10. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " June 10. — Between 9 and 10 
Oclock set out for Fredericksburgh, accompanied by M" 
Washington, on a visit to my Mother — Made a visit to M' 
& M" Thompson in Colchester— & reached Col" [Thomas] 
Blackburns to dinner, where we lodged — he was from 
home." — Washington's Diary. 

" June 11.— About Sun rise we continued our journey — breakfasted at 
Stafford Court House and intended to have dined at M' Fitzhughs of Chat- 
ham but he and Lady being from home we proceeded to Fredericksburgh — 
alighted at my Mothers and sent the Carriage & horses to my Sister Lewis's 
— where we dined and lodged — As we also did the next day [June 12], the 
first in company with M' Fitzhugh, Col" Carter & Col" Willis and their 
Ladies, and Gen^ Weedon— The day following (Friday) we dined in a large 
Company at Mansfield (M' Man Page's)— on Saturday we visited Gen' 
Spotswoods dined there & returned in the Evening to My Sisters." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 105 

SUNDAY, JUNE 15. 

At Fredericksburg : " June 15. — On Sunday we went to 
Church [St. George's] — the Congregation being alarmed 
(without cause) and suppos^ the Gallery at the N" End was 
about to fall, were thrown into the utmost confusion ; and 
in the precipitate Retreat to the doors many got hurt — 
Dined in a large Company at Col" Willis's — Where, taking 
leave of my friends, we re-crossed the River, and spent the 
evening at Chatham." — Washington's Diary. 

'■^ June 16. — Before five o'clock we left it [Chatham] — travelled to Dum- 
fries to breakfast — and reached home to a late dinner and found that Capt" 
Barney had left it about half an hour before for Alexandria to proceed in 
the Stage of Tomorrow for Baltimore." — Washington's Diary. 

"WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18. 

At Mount Vernon : " We have had a backward spring 
and summer, with more rainy and cloudy weather than 
almost ever has been known ; still the appearance of crops 
in some parts of the country is favorable, as we may gen- 
erally expect will be the case, from the difference of soil 
and variety of climate in so extensive a region ; insomuch 
that I hope, some day or other, we shall become a store- 
house and granary for the world." — Washington to the Mar- 
quis de Lafayette. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 28. 

At Alexandria : " June 28. — The Inhabitants of Alexan- 
dria having received the News of the Ratification of the 
proposed Constitution by this State, and that of New 
Hampshire — and having determined on public Rejoicings, 
part of which to be in a dinner, to which this family was 
envited Col° Humphreys my Nephew G. A. Washington & 
myself went up to it and returned in the Afternoon." — 
Washington's Diary. 

'^June 28. — Thus the citizens of Alexandria, when convened, constituted 
the first public company in America, which had the pleasure of pouring a 



106 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1788 

libation to the prosperity of the ten States, that had actually adopted the 
general government. The day itself is memorable for more reasons than 
one. It was recollected, that this day is the anniversary of the battles of 
Sullivan's Island and Monmouth. I have just returned from assisting at 
the entertainment." — Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. 

FRIDAY, JULY 4. 

At Mount Vernon: '■'• July 4. — In the Afternoon, M' 
Madison and Doct' Stuart, with a Son of M' Will"" Lee 
arrived from Richmond. July 5. — I remained at home all 
day with M' Madison. July 7.— After dinner — M' Madison 
and the Son of M' Lee went (in my Carriage) to Alexandria 
in order to proceed on to New York in the Stage tomor- 
row." — Washington'' s Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9. 

At Mount Yernon : " July 9. — A Capt° Gregory (a french 
Gentlem" who served in the American Navy last War & 
now in the Service of Rob Morris Esq'') came here by 
Water from Dumfries — Dined, Supped and returned." — 
Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, JULY 12. 

At Mount Vernon : " July 12. — To a late Breakfast M"" 
& M" Rob* Morris, their two Sons & Daughter and M'' 
Gouv'' Morris came." — Washington's Diary. 

'■^ July 15. — About 11 o'clock M" Washington & myself accompanied M' 
M" Morris &c. as far as Alexandria on their return to Philadelphia — We 
all dined (in a large Company) at M' Will™ Hunters ; after v?hich M' Morris 
& his family proceeded and M™ Washington, Col" Humphreys & myself 
ret*^. " — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, JULY 20. 

At Mount Vernon : " You will permit me to say, that a 
greater drama is now acting on this theatre, than has here- 
tofore been brought on the American stage, or any other in 
the world. We exhibit at present the novel and astonish- 
ing spectacle of a whole people deliberating calmly on what 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 107 

form of government will be most conducive to their happi- 
ness ; and deciding with an unexpected degree of unanimity 
in favor of a system, which they conceive calculated to 
answer the purpose." — Washington to Sir Edward Newenham. 

TUESDAY, JULY 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " July 29. — A M^ Vender Kemp — a 
Dutch Gent" who had suffered by the troubles in Holland 
and who was introduced to me by the Marquis de la Fayette 
came here to Dinner. July 30. — M"" Vender Kemp re- 
turned." — Washington's Diary. 

Francis Adrian Vander Kemp, at one time a minister of the Mennonite 
congregation at Leyden, and who subsequently had a command in the army 
of Holland, arrived with his family at New York, May 4, 1788. The fol- 
lowing reference to his visit at Mount Vernon, taken from his manuscript 
journal, is furnished by the Rev. Roswell Randall Hoes : " I arrived at last 
at Mount Vernon, where simplicity and order, unadorned grandeur and 
dignity had taken up their abode. . . . There seemed to me, to skulk some- 
what of a repulsive coldness — not congenial with my mind, under a courteous 
demeanor ; and I was infinitely better pleased by the unassuming modest 
gentleness of the Lady, than with the conscious superiority of her Consort. 
There was a chosen Society — Col. Humphrey was there. I was charmed 
with his manners — his conversation ; He knew, how to please — he knew, 
how to captivate, when he deemed it worth." 

Mr. Vander Kemp first settled at Esopus (now Kingston) on the Hudson 
River, and finally at Trenton, New York, originally called Oldenbarneveld. 
On February 22, 1800, he delivered at Oldenbarneveld a eulogy on Wash- 
ington, which was published at Amsterdam, the same year, under the title, 
«' Lofrede op George "Washington, te Oldenbarneveld, den 22 sten van 
Sprokkelmaand, 1800 in Oneida District, Staat van New York, in de En- 
gelsche taale uitgesprooken, door Franc. Adr. Vander Kemp." 8vo, 
pp. 30. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 4. 

At Alexandria : " August 4. — Went up to Alexandria to 
a meeting of the Potomack Company; the business of 
which was finished about Sun down — but matters which 
came more properly before the Directors obliged me to stay 
in Town all Night — Dined at Wises — and lodged at Col" 
Fitzgeralds. August 5. — The business before the Board of 



108 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1788 

Directors detaining till near two oclock (I dined at Col° 
Fitzgeralds) and returned home in the aftern"." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

TTJESDAT, AUGUST 12. 

At Warburton, Maryland : " August 12. — The whole 
family, accompanied by Col" Humphreys and M' [George] 
Calvert crossed the Eiver — dined with Mr. Geo : Digges — 
& returned in the Evening." — VTashington'' s Diary. 

WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 20. 

At Alexandria : " August 20. — "Went up to Alexandria 
with ;M" Washington — dined at M' Feudalls and returned 
in the evening." — Washington'' s Diary. 

THUKSDAT, AUGUST 28. 

At Mount Vernon : " On the delicate subject [the Presi- 
dency] with which you conclude your letter, I can say 
nothing, because the event alluded to may never happen, 
and because, in case it should occur, it would be a point of 
prudence to defer forming one's ultimate and irrevocable 
decision, so long as new data might be afforded for one to 
act with the greater wisdom and propriety." — Washington 
to Alexander Hamilton. 

From Cblonel Hamilton's Letter. — "I take it for granted, Sir, you have 
concluded to comply with what will, no doubt, be the general call of your 
country in relation to the new government. You will permit me to say, 
that it is indispensable you should lend yourself to its first operations. It is 
to little purpose to have introduced a system if the weightiest influence is not 
given to its firm establishment in the outset." — August 13. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. 

At Mount Vernon : " Septernbe^r 11. — M" Plater and her 
two daughters, and M' George Digges and his Sister came 
here to dinner and stayed all Xight." — Washington's Diary. 

''September 13.— Rid with M" Plater and M" Washington to the Mill 
and Xew Barn. Col° [Ge^-rge] Plater, M' Hall & a M' Mathews came here 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 109 

(from M' Digges's) just after we had dined — stayed all Night. September 
14. — Col° Plater, his lady & daughters M"" Digges & his Sister; and Mr. 
Hall ; and M' Mathews went away after breakfast." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. 

At Mount Yernon : " I am glad Congress have at last 
decided upon an ordinance for carrying the new govern- 
ment into execution." — Washington to Henry Lee. 

^'^ September 13, 1788. — Whereas, the convention assembled in Philadel- 
phia, pursuant to the resolution of Congress, of the 21st of February, 1787, 
did, on the 17th of September, in the same year, report to the United States, 
in Congress assembled, a constitution for the people of the United States ; 
whereupon, Congress, on the 28th of the same September, did resolve unani- 
mously, ' That the said report, with the resolutions and letter accompanying 
the same, be transmitted to the several legislatures, in order to be submitted 
to a convention of delegates, chosen in each state by the people thereof, in 
conformity of the resolves of the convention, made and provided in that 
case;' And whereas the constitution so reported by the convention, and by 
Congress transmitted to the several legislatures, has been ratified in the 
manner therein declared to be sufficient for the establishment of the same, 
and such ratifications, duly authenticated, have been received by Congress, 
and are filed in the office of the secretary ; therefore, — 

'■'■Resolved, That the first Wednesday in January next be the day for 
appointing electors in the several states, which, before the said day shall 
have ratified the said constitution ; that the first Wednesday in February 
next, be the day for the electors to assemble in their respective states, and 
vote for a president ; and that the first Wednesday in March next, be the 
time, and the present seat of Congress [New York] the place for commencing 
proceedings under the said constitution." — Journal of Congress. 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3. 

At Abingdon : " October 3. — Went with M" Washington 
to Abingdon, to visit M" Stuart who was sick. October 4. 
— At Abingdon still. October 5. — Returned home after 
breakfast — and reached it about 11 oc^." — Washington's 
Diary. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21. 

At Alexandria : " October 21. — Went up to Alexandria to 
move the Court to appoint Commissioners to settle the 
Ace" of the Administration of Col° Tho' Colvills Estate to 



110 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1788 

whose Will I was an Executor. ... I dined at M' Fendalls 
& came home in the Afternoon.'' — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26. 

At Pohick Church : " October 26. — Went to Pohick 
Church and returned home to dinner — found D' Stuart at 
^1' Vernon who dined there & returned home afterwards."' 
— Washington's Diary. 

" October 31. — Finished pruning the Weeping "Willows & other Trees in 
the Serpentine walks front of the House and was on the point of Riding 
when M'' William Fitzhugh Jun'' (of Marj'land) came in, about 10 o'clock 
— after whom Col° Henry Lee arrived both stay'd dinner and the latter all 
night. — Remained at home all day." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 2. — After dinner word 
was bro' from Alexandria that the Minister of France was 
arrived there and intended down here to dinner — Accord- 
ingly, a little before Sun setting, he (the Count de Mous- 
tiers) * his Sister the Marchioness de Bretan [Brehan] — the 
Marquis her Son and M' du Fonts f came in." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

^^ November 3. — Remained at home all day. — Colo Fitzgerald & Doctr. 
Craik came down to dinner — & with the copy of an address (which the 
Citizens of Alexandria meant to present to the Minister) waited on him to 
know when he would receive it. M'' Lear went to Alexandria to invite 
some of the Gentlemen and Ladies of the Town to dine with the Count & 
Marchioness here tomorrow. November 4. — M' Herbert & his Lady, M' 
Potts & his Lady, M^ Ludwell Lee & his Lady, and Miss Nancy Craik 
came here to dinner and returned afterward.'' — Washington s Diary. 



* Eleonor-Fran(jois-Elie Comte de 3Ioustier succeeded the Chevalier de la 
Luzerne as Minister from France to the United States in 1787. He returned 
to France in October, 1789. 

t Victor Marie Du Pont, son of Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, and 
elder brother of Eleuthere Irenee Du Pi)nt, who established the well-known 
powder-mills on the Brandywine, near Wilmington, Delaware, in 1802. 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. HI 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 5. — The Minister & Ma- 
dame de Bretan expressing a desire to "Walk to the New 
Barn — we accordingly did so — and from thence through 
Frenchs Plantation to My Mill and from thence home com- 
pleating a tour of at least Seven Miles. Previous to this, 
in the Morning before breakfast I rid to the Ferry, Frenchs, 
J) : Run and Muddy hole Plantations." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 6. — About Nine Oclock the Minister of France, the Mar- 
chioness de Bretan & their Suit left this on their Return for New York I 
accompanied them as far as Alexandria & returned home to dinner — the 
Minister proceeded to George Town after having received an Address from 
the Citizens of the Corporation." — Washington's Diary . 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8. 

At Alexandria : " November 8. — Went up to Alexandria, 
agreeably to a summons, to give testimony in the Suit de- 
fending between the Estate of M"" Custis and M' Rob* Alex- 
ander — Returned by the New Barn which had got about 
half the Rafters up." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 10. — The New Barn would nearly \i not quite have the Rafters 
up to-day." — Washingto7i' s Diary. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 11. — All my People, ex- 
cept those in the Neck were on the public Roads Repairing 
of them to day — attended, in some measure, this business 
myself — M' Lund Washington — Overseer of the Roads 
dined here to day. November 12. — The force of yesterday 
was employed on the Road to day. ... I rid to the Repairs 
of the Road and to my New Barn — the Rafters of which 
were all raised about Noon — M'' Lund Washington dined 
here again to day." — Washington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14. 

At Mount Vernon : ^^ November 14. — Docf [George] Logan 
and Lady of Phila* and a Mons' of Lyons in France 



112 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1788 

came here to dinner and went away afterwards." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 



SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 15. — "Went with my Com- 
pass and finished the line of Stakes from Dogue Run (at 
the Tumbling dam) to Hunting C*'; for a Road on the 
border of my land adjoining to Col° Masons — also con- 
nected this with the Road leading from the Gum Spring to 
Alexandria and from the former run the courses and meas- 
ured the distances to my Mill and from the Mill to the 
Mansion House. 

" On my Return home in the Evening I found M' War- 
ville and a M' de Saint Tries here — brought down by M' 
Porter who returned again. November 16. — Mons" War- 
ville and Saint Tres returned to Alexandria in my Chariot. 
November 17. — It was this day and not yesterday that M' 
Warville and M' Staint trees returned to Alexandria." — 
Washington's Diary. 



" I hastened to arrive at Mount Vernon, the seat of Greneral Washington, 
ten miles helow Alexandria on the same river. On this rout you traverse 
a considerable wood, and after having passed over two hills, you discover a 
country house of an elegant and majestic simplicity. It is preceded by grass 
plats ; on one side of the avenue are the stables, on the other a green-house, 
and houses for a number of negro mechanics. In a spacious back yard are 
turkies, geese, and other poultry. This house overlooks the Potowmack, 
enjoys an extensive prospect, has a vast and elevated portico on the front 
next the river, and a convenient distribution of the apartments within. 
The General came home in the evening, fatigued with having been to lay 
out a new road in some part of his plantations. You have often heard him 
compared to Cincinnatus : the comparison is doubtless just. This celebrated 
General is nothing more at present than a good farmer, constantly occupied 
in the care of his farm and the improvement of cultivation. He has lately 
built a barn, one hundred feet in length and considerably more in breadth, 
destined to receive the productions of his farm, and to shelter his cattle, 
horses, asses, and mules. It is built on a plan sent him by that fomous 
English farmer Arthur Young. But the General has much improved the 
plan. This building is in brick, it cost but three hundred pounds ; I am. 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 113 

sure in France it would have cost three thousand * He planted this year 
eleven hundred bushels of potatoes. All this is new in Virginia, where 
they know not the use of barns, and where they lay up no provisions for 
their cattle. His three hundred negroes are distributed in different log 
houses, in different parts of his plantation, which in this neighbourhood 
consists of ten thousand acres. Colonel Humphreys, that poet of whom I 
have spoken, assured me that the General possesses, in different parts of tho 
country, more than two hundred thousand acres. 

" Everything has an air of simplicity in his house; his table is good, but 
not ostentatious ; and no deviation is seen from regularity and domestic 
ceconomy. Mrs. Washington superintends the whole, and joins to the 
qualities of an excellent house-wife, the simple dignity which ought to 
characterize a woman, whose husband has acted the greatest part on the 
theatre of human affairs ; while she possesses that amenity, and manifests 
that attention to strangers, which render hospitality so charming. The 
same virtues are conspicuous in her interesting niece ; but unhappily she 
appears not to enjoy good health. 

" M. de Chastellux has mingled too much of the brilliant in his portrait 
of General Washington. His eye bespeaks great goodness of heart, manly 
sense marks all his answers, and he sometimes animates in conversation, but 
he has no characteristic features; which renders it difficult to seize him. 
He announces a profound discretion, and a great difBdence in himself; but 
at the same time, an unshaken firmness of character, when once he has made 
his decision. His modesty is astonishing to a Frenchman ; he speaks of the 
American war, and of his victories, as of things in which he had no direc- 
tion." — J. P. Brissot de Warville, Nouveau Voyage dans les Etats Unis 
de VAmerique Septentrionale, fait en 1788, Paris, 1791. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20. 

At Alexandria : " November 20. — Went to Alexandria with 
M" Washington — Dined with Col° Henry Lee & Lady at 
M' Fendalls and returned home in the Evening — Found 
Docf La Moyeur here." — Washington'' s Diary. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " The expensive manner in which I 
live (contrary to my wishes, but really unavoidable), the bad 

* " The building of a brick barn has occupied much of my attention this 
summer. It is constructed according to the plan you had the goodness to 
send me ; but with some additions. It is now, I believe, the largest and 
most convenient one in this country." — Washington to Arthur Young, 
December 4, 1788. 

8 



114 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1788 

years of late, and my consequent short crops, have occasioned 
me to run in debt, and to feel more sensibly the want of 
money than I have ever done at any period of my whole 
life, and obliges me to look forward to every source from 
whence I have a right to expect relief. Under these circum- 
stances I must ask you what prospect I have, and in what 
time (after it becomes due) I may expect to receive the 
present years annuity." — Washington to David Stuart. 

THUKSDAY, DECEMBEK 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " The more I am acquainted with 
agricultural affairs, the better I am pleased with them ; inso- 
much, that I can no where find so great satisfaction as in 
those innocent and useful pursuits. In indulging these feel- 
ings, I am led to reflect how much more delightful to an 
undebauched mind is the task of making improvements on 
the earth, than all the vain glory which can be acquired 
from ravaging it, by the most uninterrupted career of con- 
quests." — Washington to Arthur Young. 

" I have a prospect of introducing into this country a very excellent race of 
animals, by means of the liberality of the King of Spain. One of the jacks 
which he was pleased to present to me (the other perished at sea) is about 15 
hands high, his body and limbs very large in proportion to his height; and 
the mules which I have had from him, appear to be extremely well formed 
for service. I have likewise a jack and two jennetts from Malta, of a very 
good size, which the Marquis de la Fayette sent to me.* The Spanish jack 
seems calculated to breed for heavy slow draught ; and the others for the 
saddle, or lighter carriages. From these, altogether, I hope to secure a race 
of extraordinary goodness, which will stock the country." — Idem. 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 19. — Rid to the Planta- 
tions at the Ferry and Prenchs — and to Dogue Run & 



* The jack presented by Lafayette was called the Knight of Malta ; this 
jack was a superb animal, black in color, with the form of a stag and the 
ferocity of a tiger. 



1788] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 115 

Muddy hole. . . . M' Madison came here to dinner. 
December 20. — Remained at home with M'' Madison. De- 
cember 25. — Sent M"" Madison after breakfast as far as Col- 
chester in my Carriage." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, DECEMBEK 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 29. — Rid to the Planta- 
tions at the Ferry and Frenchs — and to Dogue Run & 
Muddy hole. December 30. — Rid into the Neck — and to 
Muddy hole Plantations. December 31. — Rid to the Ferry 
& Frenchs — and to Dogue Run and Muddy hole Plan"." — 
Washington's Diary. 



1789. 



THURSDAY, JANUARY 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 1. — Went out after break- 
fast to lay of or rather measure an old field which is intended 
to be added to Muddy hole Plantation — after which marked 
out a line for the New Road across from the Tu[m]bling 
Dam to little Hunting Creek to begin post and Rail fence 
on." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7. 

At Alexandria : " January 7. — "Went up to the Election 
of an Elector (for this district) of President & Vice Presi- 
dent when the Candidates polled for being Docf Stuart and 
Col° Blackburn the first rec"^ 216 votes from the Freeholders 
of this County — and the second 16 Votes. — Dined with a 
large company on Venisen at Pages Tav" and came home 
in the evening." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18. 

At Mount Vernon : " The first wish of my soul is to 
spend the evening of my days as a private citizen on my 
farm ; but, if circumstances, which are not yet sufficiently 
unfolded to form the judgment or the opinion of my friends, 
will not allow me this last boon of temporal happiness, and 
I should once more be led into the walks of public life, it is 
my fixed determination to enter there, not only unfettered 
by promises, but even unchargeable with creating or feed- 
ing the expectation of any man living for my assistance to 
office." — Washington to Samuel Hanson. 

116 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 117 

SATUKDAY, JANUAKY 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 24. — Went into the Neck 
— measured some fields there — and laid off 8 acres for 
Tobacco." — Washington's Diary. 

«' January 25.— Colonels Fitzgerald, Lee & Gilpin dined here, and returned 
to Alexandria in the evening. January 28. — Major Washington set out for 
Berkley to see his Father [Charles Washington] who had informed him of 
the low state of health in which he was." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " Nothing but harmony, honesty, 
industry, and frugality are necessary to make us a great 
and happy people. Happily the present posture of affairs, 
and the prevailing disposition of my countrymen, promise 
to cooperate in establishing those four great and essential 
pillars of public felicity." — Washington to the Marquis de 
Lafayette. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2. 

At Alexandria : " February 2. — I went up to the Election 
of a Representative to Congress for this district. Voted for 
Rich^ Bland Lee Esq' dined at Colonel Hooes & returned 
home in the afternoon. 

" On my way home met M' George Calvert on his way to 
Abingdon with the Hounds I had lent him — viz. Vulcan & 
Venus (From France) — Ragman & two other dogs (From 
England) — Dutchess & Doxey (From Philadelp*) — Tryal, 
Jupiter & Countess (Descended from the French Hounds)," 
— Washington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13. 

At Mount Vernon : " I am going on Monday next to 
visit the works as far as the Seneca Falls." — Washington to 
Thomas Jefferson. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " Never till within these two years 
have I ever experienced the want of money. Short crops, 



118 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

and other causes not entirely within my control, make me 
feel it now very sensibly. . . . Under this statement I am 
inclined to do what I never expected to be driven to — that 
is, to borrow money on interest. Five hundred pounds 
would enable me to discharge what I owe in Alexandria, 
etc. ; and to leave the state (if it shall not be in my power 
to remain at home in retirement) without dohig this would 
be exceedingly disagreeable to me. Having thus fully and 
candidly explained myself, permit me to ask if it is in your 
power to supply me with the above, or a smaller sum." — 
Washington to Captain Richard Conway. 

" March 6. — I am much obliged by your assurance of monej'. M"' Lear 
waits upon you for it, and carries a bond, drawn in the manner you re- 
quested. . . . Upon collecting my accounts by M' Lear, the other day, it 
was found that though five hundred pounds will enable me to discharge 
them, yet it is incompetent to this and the other purpose, the expenses of 
my journey to New York, if I go thither. If, therefore, you could add 
another hundred pounds to the former sum, it would be very acceptable. 
M"' Lear is provided with a bond for this sum also." — Washington to Captain 
Richard Conway. 



SATUKDAY, MARCH 7. 

At Fredericksburg : " March 12, — On Saturday even- 
ing last [March 7], His Excellency General "Washington 
arrived in town from Mount Vernon, and early on Monday 
morning he set out on his return. The object of his 
Excellency's visit w^as probably to take leave of his aged 
mother., sister, and friends, previous to his departure for 
the new Congress, over the councils of which, the united 
voice of America has called him to preside." — Fredericks- 
burg paper. 



This was the last visit paid by Washington to his mother. She died on 
the 25th day of August following, at the age of eighty-two. The following 
entry in his cash-book refers to this visit: " March 11. — By my expenses on 
a visit to my motlier at Fredericksburg £1.8.0. By M" Mary Washington 
advanced her 6 Guineas." 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 119 

MONDAY, MAKCH 9. 

At Mount Vernon : " I will therefore declare to you, that, 
if it should be my inevitable fate to administer the govern- 
ment, (for Heaven knows, that no event can be less desired 
by me, and that no earthly consideration short of so generall 
a call, together with a desire to reconcile contending parties 
as far as in me lies, could again bring me into public life,) 
I will go to the chair under no preengagement of any kind 
or nature whatsoever. But, when in it, I will, to the best 
of my judgment, discharge the duties of the office with that 
impartiality and zeal for the public good, which ought 
never to suffer connexions of blood or friendship to inter- 
mingle so as to have the least sway on decisions of a public 
nature." — Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " With very great sensibility I have 
received the honor of your letter dated the 10th instant, 
and consider the kind and obliging invitation to your 
house, until suitable accommodations can be provided for 
the President, as a testimony of your friendship and polite- 
ness, of which I shall ever retain a grateful sense. But if 
it should be my lot (for Heaven knows it is not my wish) to 
appear again in a public station, I shall make it a point to 
take hired lodo;ino:s or rooms in a tavern until some house 
can be provided." — Washington to George Clintoii, at New 
York. 

MONDAY, MARCH 30. 

At Mount Vernon : " I have been favored with your letter 
of the 19th, by which it appears that a quorum of Congress 
was hardly to be expected before the beginning of the next 
week. As this delay must be very irksome to the attend- 
ing members, and every day's continuance of it, before the 
government is in operation, will be more sensibly felt, I 
am resolved, that none shall proceed from me that can well 



120 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

be avoided, after notice of the election is announced, and 
therefore I take the liberty of requesting the favor of you 
to engage lodgings for me previous to my arrival. 

" M'' Lear, who has lived with me three years as a private 
secretary, will accompany or precede me in the stage ; and 
Colonel Humphreys I presume will be of my party. On 
the subject of lodgings, I will frankly declare to you, that 
I mean to go into none but hired ones." — Washington to 
James Madison, at New York. 

The day appointed for the assembling of Congress was the 4th of March, 
but so tardily did the members come together that a quorum of both Houses 
was not formed till the 6th of April. On that day, in the presence of the 
Senate and House of Kepresentatives, the votes were opened and counted, 
when Washington, having received every vote of the sixty-nine cast by the 
ten States * which took part in the election, was declared President of the 
United States. John Adams, having received the second highest number 
of votes (thirty-four), was declared to be Vice-President. He was installed 
in the chair of the Senate on April 21. 

WEDNESDAY, APKIL 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " In confidence I tell you, (with the 
world it would obtain little credit) that my movements to 
the chair of government will be accompanied by feelings 
not unlike those of a culprit, who is going to the place of 
his execution ; so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life 
nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode 
for an ocean of difficulties, without that competency of 
political skill, abilities, and inclination, which are necessary 
to manage the helm. I am sensible that I am embarking 
the voice of the people, and a good name of my own, on 
this voyage ; but what returns will be made for them. 
Heaven alone can foretell. Integrity and firmness are all I 
can promise." — Washington to General Knox. 

*The three States not voting were New York, North Carolina, and Khode 
Island, New York losing its vote in consequence of a disagreement between 
the two branches of the Legislature, and North Carolina and Rhode Island 
not having as yet ratified the Constitution. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 121 

^' Ap7-il 10. — A combination of circumstances and events seems to have 
rendered my embarking again on the ocean of public atfairs inevitable. 
How opposite this is to my own desires and inclinations, I need not say. 
Those who know me are, I trust, convinced of it. For the rectitude of my 
intentions I appeal to the great Searcher of hearts ; and if I have any knowl- 
edge of myself I can declare, that no prospects however flattering, no per- 
sonal advantage however great, no desire of fame however easily it might be 
acquired, could induce me to quit the private walks of life at my age and in 
my situation ; but if, by any exertion or services of mine, my country can be 
benefited, I shall feel more amply compensated for the sacrifices which I 
make, than I possibly can be by any other means." — Washington to Hector 
St. -John de Crevecoeur. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 14. 

At Mount Vernon : " I had the honor to receive your 
Official communication by the hand of M' Secretary 
Thompson, about one o'clock this day. Having concluded 
to obey the important & flattering call of my Country, and 
having been impressed with an idea of the expediency of 
my being with Congress at as early a period as possible ; I 
propose to commence my journey on Thursday morning 
which will be the day after to morrow." — Washington to 
Johyi Langdon. 

Mr. Langdon was a Senator from New Hampshire, and when the Senate 
was first organized, on the 6th of April, he was chosen President of that 
body pro tempore. In this capacity it devolved upon him to oflBcially notify 
General Washington of his having been elected President of the United 
States. Charles Thomson, who had been since 1774 the sole Secretary of 
Congress, was selected to bear this ofiBcial information to Mount Vernon. 
He left New York on Tuesday morning, April 7, on horseback. The letter 
was as follows: ^^ New Fork, April 6, 1789. — I have the honor to transmit 
to your Excellency the information of your unanimous election to the office 
of President of the United States of America. Sufi'er me, sir, to indulge 
the hope that so auspicious a mark of public confidence will meet with your 
approbation, and be considered as a pledge of the affection and support you 
are to expect from a free and enlightened people." 

THURSDAY, APRIL 16. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " April 16. — About ten o'clock 
I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, and to 
domestic felicity, and with a mind oppressed with more 



122 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, 
set out for N^ew York in company with M'' Thomson and 
Col" Humphreys, with the best disposition to render service 
to my country in obedience to its calls, but with less hope 
of answering its expectations." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ Alexandria, April 23. — Last Thursday [April 16], the great and illus- 
trious Citizen of America, George Washingtok, Esq ; passed through this 
town on his way to New- York accompanied by Mr. Charles Thomson. 
He was met some miles out of town by a numerous escort of his friends and 
neighbours, whose attachment to him was such, that not satisfied with attend- 
ing him to the verge of their own state, they crossed over in numerous 
crouds to George-Town, where they surrendered him over to the arms of an 
affectionate sister state. In compliance with their wishes, he partook with 
them of an early dinner prepared at Mr. Wise's tavern. At his departure, 
an affectionate address was presented to him by the citizens, to which he 
made a reply, expressive of his feelings on the occasion."* — Pennsylvania 
Packet, April 30. 

" George-Town, April 23. — Last Thursday, passed through this town, on 
his way to New-York, the Most Illustrious the President of the United 
States of America, with Charles Thomson, Esq. ; Secretary to Congress. 
His Excellency arrived at about 2 o'clock, on the banks of the Potowmack, 
escorted by a respectable corps of gentlemen from Alexandria, where the 
George-Town ferry boats, properly equipped, received his Excellency and 
suite, and safely landed them, under the acclamations of a large crowd of 
their grateful fellow-citizens — who beheld their EABIUS in the evening of 
his days, bid adieu to the peaceful retreat of Mount Vernon, in order to save 
his country once more, from confusion and anarchy. From this place his 
Excellency was escorted by a corps of gentlemen, commanded by Col. 
"William Deakins, jun. to Mr. Spurrier's Tavern, where the escort from 
Baltimore take charge of him." — Pennsylvania Packet, May 5. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 17. 

At Baltimore : " Baltimore., April 21. — The President of 
the United States arrived in this place on his way to Con- 
gress, on Friday afternoon, the 17th instant, with Charles 
Thomson, Esc^; and Colonel Humphries. This great man 
was met some miles from Town, by a large body of respect- 
able citizens on horseback, and conducted, under a dis- 



* For this admirable address and reply, see Sparks, vol. xii. p. 137, etc. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 123 

charge of cannon, to Mr. Grant's tavern [the "Fountain 
Inn"] through crowds of admiring spectators. 

" At six o'clock, a committee chosen in consequence of a 
late notification, to adjust the preliminaries for his recep- 
tion, waited upon him with an address which he answered. 
A great number of the citizens were presented to him, and 
very graciously received. Having arrived too late for a 
public dinner, he accepted an invitation to supper, from 
which he retired a little after ten o'clock." — Pemisylvania 
Packet, April 28. 

^'■Baltimore, April 21. — On Saturday morning [April 18] he was in his 
carriage at half past five o'clock when he left town, under a discharge of 
cannon, and attended as on his entrance, by a body of the citizens on horse- 
back. These gentlemen accompanied him seven miles, when alighting from 
his carriage, he would not permit them to proceed any further ; but took 
leave of them, after thanking them in an affectionate and obliging manner 
for their politeness. We shall only add on this occasion, that those who had 
often seen him before, and those who never had, were equally anxious to see 
him. Such is the rare impression excited by his uncommon character and 
virtues. " — Idem. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 19. 

At Wilmington, Delaware : " Wilmington, April 25. — On 
Sunday last [April 19] his Excellency the President-General 
arrived in this borough, whither he was accompanied by 
a number of gentlemen of this State, who also attended 
him next morning to the Pennsylvania line, on his way to 
New- York. Before his departure, the corporation of this 
borough, attended by many of the inhabitants, waited 
upon his Excellency, with an address of congratulation, 
which was most graciously received." — Pennsylvania Packet, 
April 28. 

MONDAY, APRIL 20. 

At Philadelphia: '' Ajml 22.— Monday last [April 20] 
His Excellency George Washington, Esq; the President 
ELECT OF THE United States, arrived in this city, about 
one o'clock, accompanied by the President of the State 



124 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

[Thomas Mifflin], Governor St. Clair, the Speaker of the 
Assembly [Richard Peters], the Chief Justice [Thomas 
McKean], the Honorable Mr. Read, the Attorney-General 
[William Bradford, Jr.], and Secretary Thomson, the two 
city troops of horse, the county troop, a detachment of 
artillery, a body of light infantry, and a numerous con- 
course of citizens on horseback and foot. 

" His Excellency rode in front of the procession, on 
horseback. The number of spectators who filled the doors, 
windows and streets, which he passed, was greater than on 
any other occasion we ever remember. 

" The joy of the whole city upon this august spectacle 
cannot easily be described. Every countenance seemed to 
say, Long, long live George Washington, THE FATHER 
OF THE People! At three o'clock His Excellency sat 
down to an elegant Entertainment of 250 covers, at the 
City Tavern, prepared for him by the citizens of Philadel- 
phia. A band of music played during the entertainment, 
and a discharge of artillery took place at every toast, among 
which was The State of Virginia, The ship Alliance, and a 
Spanish merchant ship, were handsomely decorated with 
colours of different nations." — Pennsylvania Gazette. 

In the approach to the city the Schuylkill was crossed at Gray's Ferry 
bridge, which "was highly decorated with laurel and other evergreens, by 
Mr. Gray himself, the ingenious Mr. [Charles Willson] Peale and others, 
and in such a stile, as to display uncommon taste in these gentlemen. — At 
each end there were erected magnificent arches, composed of laurel, emblem- 
atic of the ancient triumphal arches used by the Komans, and on each side 
of the bridge a laurel shrubbery, which seemed to challenge even Nature 
herself for simplicity, ease and elegance. And as our beloved Washington 
passed the bridge, a lad, beautifully ornamented with sprigs of laurel, 
assisted by certain machinery, let drop, above the Hero's head, unperceived 
by him, a civic crown of laurel." 

"Washington spent Monday night at the house of Robert Morris, on 
Market Street, and on the following morning (April 21) left Philadelphia 
on his journey to New York. Previous to his departure he received and 
answered addresses from the President and Supiemo Executive Council; 
from the mayor, aldermen, and Common Council of the city ; from the 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 125 

judges of the Supreme Court of the State ; from the trustees and faculty of 
the University of the State of Pennsylvania ; and from the State Society of 
the Cincinnati. 

TUESDAY, APKIL 21. 

At Trenton, New Jersey : " Trenton, April 21. — This day 
we were honored with the presence of his Excellency the 
President of the United States of America on his way to 
New York. A troop of horse, commanded by Capt. Carle, 
and a company of infantry, commanded by Capt Halon, 
compleatly equipped, and in full uniform, with a large con- 
course of the gentlemen and inhabitants of the town and 
neighbourhood, lined the Jersey bank of the Delaware, to 
hail the General's arrival. As soon as he set foot on shore, 
he was welcomed with three huzzas, which made the shores 
re-echo the chearful sounds. After being saluted by the 
horse and infantry, he was escorted to town, in the following 
order : A detachment of the horse. — The Light Infantry. — 
His Excellency, on horseback, attended by Charles Thomson, 
Esq; and Col. Humphreys. — The troop of horse. — The 
gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood on horseback." 
— Pennsylvania Packet, May 1. 

•' When the procession arrived at the hridge south of the town, they were 
presented with a scene to which no description can do justice. 

" As Trenton had been rendered twice memorable during the war, once 
by the capture of the Hessians, and again by the repulse of the whole British 
army, in their attempt to cross the bridge over the Assanpinck Creek, the 
evening before the battle of Princeton — a plan was formed by a number of 
ladies, and carried into execution, solely under their direction, to testify to 
the General, by the celebration of those eventful actions, the grateful sense 
they retained of the safety and protection afforded by him to the daughters 
of New-Jersey. For this purpose, a triumphal arch was raised on the bridge, 
about 20 feet wide, supported by 13 columns — the height of the arch to the 
centre was equal to the width. Each column was intwined with wreaths of 
evergreen. The arch, which extended about twelve feet along the bridge, 
was covered with laurel, and decorated on the inside with laurel, running- 
vines, and a variety of evergreens. On the front of the arch the following 
motto was inscribed in large gilt letters — ' The Defender of the mothers will 
also protect the daughters.'' — The upper and lower edges of this inscription 
were ornamented with wreaths of evergreen and artificial flowers of all kinds, 



126 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

made by the ladies for the occasion, beautifully interspersed. On the centre 
of the arch, above the inscription, was a dome, or cupola, of artificial flowers 
and evergreens, encircling the dates of the glorious events which the whole 
was designed to celebrate, inscribed in large gilt letters. — The summit of the 
dome displayed a large sun-flower, which, always pointing to the sun, was 
designed to express this sentiment, or motto — ' To you alo7ie' — as emblematic 
of the affections and hopes of the PEOPLE being directed to him, in the 
united suff'rage of the millions of America. 

" A numerous trai/i of ladies, leading their daughters, were assembled at 
the arch, thus to thank their Defender and Protector. As the General 
passed under the arch, he was addressed in the following SONATA, com- 
posed [by Major Ilichard Howell*] and set to music for the occasion, by a 
number of young ladies dressed in white, decked with wreaths and chaplets 
of flowers, and holding in their hands baskets filled with flowers : 

" ' WELCOME, mighty Chief 1 once more, 
Welcome to this grateful shore : 
Now no mercenary foe 
Aims again the fatal blow — 
Aims at thee the fatal blow. 

" ' Virgins fair, and Matrons grave, 
Those thy conquering arms did save. 
Build for thee triumphal bowers. 
Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers — 
Strew your Hero's way with flowers.' 

" As they sung these lines, they strewed the flowers before the General. 

"When his Excellency came opposite the little female band, he honored 
the ladies by stopping until the Sonata was finished. The scene was truly 
grand — universal silence prevailed — Nothing was to be heard but the sweet 
notes of the songsters — and the mingled sentiments which crouded into the 
mind in the moments of solemn stillness during the song, bathed many 
cheeks with tears. The General most politely thanked the ladies for their 
attention, and the procession moved on to his lodgings." f — Idem. 

* Governor of New Jersey, 1794-1801. 

f " At Trenton Washington dined at Samuel Henry's City Tavern, on the 
southwest corner of Second and Warren Streets, with the principal citizens 
of the place and held a reception in the parlors of the inn. Late in the 
afternoon he took carriage for Princeton, the Rev. [James F.] Armstrong 
accompanying him that far on his journey. It is generally understood that 
they spent that night at the residence of the President of the College, the 
Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon. " — William S. Stryker, Washington's Re- 
ception by the People oj New Jersey in 1789. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 127 

WEDNESDAY, APKIL 22. 

At New Brunswick, ISTew Jersey : " New Brunsivick, April 
28. — On Wednesday last [April 22], his Excellency George 
"Washington, Esquire, President of the United States of 
America, passed through this city on his way to the seat 
of the Federal Government, accompanied by his Excellency 
[William Livingston] the Governor of the State, Charles 
Thomson, Esq ; Col. Humphreys, and several other gen- 
tlemen of distinction. His Excellency was escorted into 
this city by the Common Council, and other respectable 
citizens on horseback, and by the companies of artillery 
and light-infantry under the command of Captains Doug- 
las and Guest. The near approach of his Excellency was 
announced by the tiring of a federal salute from the ar- 
tillery, and by the ringing of bells." — Pennsylvania Packet, 
May 2. 

"The Common Council and other citizens on horseback met his Excel- 
lency some miles from the town, and after having congratulated him upon 
the happy occasion of their meeting, they conducted him into the citj^, pre- 
ceded by the companies of artillery and light-infantry, and a detachment of 
horse from Capt. Carle's cavalry, accompanied with a band of music. At 
the entrance of the city, the troops formed a line, and saluted his Excellency 
as he passed them : the street and houses were crowded with many joyful 
spectators ; among whom were a great number of the fair daughters of 
Columbia, collected on the occasion with a generous desire of expressing 
their respect and gratitude to this illustrious friend to mankind, and the 
great protector of the rights of their country. Joy sparkled in every eye, 
and perfect satisfaction was demonstrated by the countenance and behaviour 
of all degrees and conditions of the people, when they beheld the object of 
their esteem and confidence again coming into public life, from the peaceful 
retirement of domestic happiness, to preserve by his wisdom, those invaluable 
privileges which he had defended by his valour. 

" The inhabitants, by a committee appointed for the purpose, together 
with the Reverend Clergy, waited on his Excellency at the house of Major 
Thomas Egbert, and congratulated him upon his appointment to the office 
of President of the United States of America, expressed the great happiness 
they felt on that important occasion, and at the same time assured him that 
their sincere prayer should be, that he might enjoy in the administration of 
his office, that felicity which is the just reward of the most exalted and dis- 
tinguished merit. 



128 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

" To which his Excellency replied with a politeness particular to himself, 
and in a manner becoming the dignity of his character. 

" About five o'clock in the afternoon his Excellency, accompanied by the 
Governor of the state, by many citizens of New-Brunswick, and by several 
gentlemen from the county of Essex, and amidst the joyful acclamations of 
a large concourse of happy people crossed the river on his way to New- York. 

"His Excellency and suite lodged at Woodbridge, and in the morning 
set out for New- York, and was met in Rahway by the light dragoons from 
Elizabeth-Town and Newark, and at Elizabeth-Town by the infantry, gren- 
adiers, and artillery, who saluted him as he passed by." — Idem. 

" Elizabeth-Town, April 29. — Thursday last [April 23], between eight and 
nine o'clock in the morning. His Excellency General Washington made his 
entrance into this town, amidst festive throngs of numerous spectators. 

" He was met near Bridgetown, by a number of citizens, accompanied by 
the cavalry, commanded by captains Meeker, Condict, and Wade, which 
when united with captain Herd's troop, that composed the escort of his 
Excellency from Brunswick, made a most martial and splendid appearance. 
— On his Excellency's approaching the town, his arrival was announced by a 
federal salute from the cannon, and the illustrious hero was received by the 
grenadiers and light troops under arms. He alighted at the [public] house 
of Mr. [Samuel] Smith, where he received the congratulations of the town 
and the committee from New-York. He partook of a repast provided by 
the gentlemen of the town ; and, after that waited on the committee of 
Congress at Mr. [Elias] Boudinott's, from whence he proceeded, attended 
by a vast concourse of people, and the cavalry (in order) to the Point, and 
after reviewing the troops, who were by this time joined by some respectable 
companies from Newark and its environs, he was conducted on board of the 
barge prepared for his reception, the beauty of which met his highest appro- 
bation ; he was rowed across the bay by thirteen skilful pilots. Thomas 
Randall, Esq; acted as cockswain." — Pennsylvania Packet, May 5. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 23. 

At New York : " New York, April 24. — Yesterday, about 
two o'clock, arrived in this city. His Excellency GEORGE 
WASHINGTON, Esquire, President of the United States 
of America. A Committee of the honorable the Congress,* 
a deputation of the State Officers, consisting of his Honor 
the Chancellor [Robert R. Livingston] and the Adjutant- 
General [Nicholas Fish], accompanied by a deputation from 

* John Langdon, Charles Carroll, and William Samuel Johnson of the 
Senate, Elias Bt)udinot, Theodoric Bland, Thomas Tudor Tucker, Egbert 
Benson, and John Lawrence of the House. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 129 

the Corporation of this city, consisting of the Recorder 
[Richard Varick], received His Excellency the President at 
Elizabethtown, in the elegant barge which was previously 
constructed for the purpose, and rowed by thirteen pilots, 
under the superintendence of Captain Randall." — Pennsyl- 
vania Gazeite, April 29. 

" On the President's passing the battery, a federal salute was fired, and 
repeated upon his landing * near the City Coffee-House, where he was re- 
ceived by his Excellency the Governor [George Clinton], the principal offi- 
cers of the state, his honor the Mayor [James Duane], and the principal 
officers of the Corporation ; and thence accompanied to the house prepared 
for his reception, f in the following order, Viz : Troop of Horse. — Artillery 
and residue of the Legion, under arms. — The military officers in uniform, 
who were off duty. — The President's Guard, composed of the Grenadiers of 
the first regiment. — The President, the Governor, and their suites. — The 
principal officers of the state. — The Mayor and Corporation. — The Clergy. — 
The Citizens. 

" The bells were rung, and colours were displayed from the fort, from the 
vessels in the harbour, and from the several buildings in the city ; the 
streets were crowded with citizens, and the windows decorated with the fair 
daughters of Columbia. 

" In the evening J the city was elegantly illuminated. The joy and satis- 
faction universally expressed on the safe arrival of this Illustrious Personage 
clearly evince, that patriotism and magnanimity are still held in respect and 
veneration among our citizens — His Excellency having, in a distinguished 
manner, displayed those eminent virtues, in a series of important and faith- 
ful services, rendered his country, in the most gloomy and distressing 
periods." — Idem. 

* At Murray's wharf, foot of Wall Street. 

•j- The house prepared for the President, known as the Franklin House, 
the former residence of Walter Franklin, was at No. 3 Cherry Street. It 
was owned by Samuel Osgood, one of the Treasury Commissioners, wh.> 
married the widow of Mr. Franklin, and was until 1856, when the build- 
ing was taken down, at the junction of Cherry and Pearl Streets, on 
Franklin Square. Washington retained this house until February 23, 
1790, when he removed to the Macomb House, on Broadway near Bowling 
Green. 

X On the evening of April 23 Washington dined with a distinguished 
company at Governor Clinton's house, Queen (now Pearl) Street, opposite 
Cedar This house was occupied by Washington as head-quarters from 
April 13 to May 21, 1776. 

9 



130 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

FRIDAY, APRIL 24. 

At New York : " New York, April 30.— Friday [April 24] 
the Hon. the Senate and House of Representatives waited 
on his Excellency the President, to congratulate him on 
his safe arrival at the seat of government." — Pennsylvania 
Packet, May 5. 

'■^ New York, April 27. — On Saturday [April 25] the Chamber of Com- 
merce met at the Coffee-House, about half after eleven o'clock, in conse- 
quence of a special call from the President. From the Coffee-house they 
proceeded in form to the house of his Excellency the President of the United 
States, headed by John Broome, Theophylact Beach and John Murray, Es- 
quires. On their arrival at the President's they were conducted into the 
audience-room, and upon his Excellency's entering, Mr. Broome, the Presi- 
dent of the Chamber, addressed him, and to which he made a reply. 

" After his Excellency's reply, he was introduced by the President of the 
Chamber to every member present. ' ' — Pennsylvania Packet, April 30. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 28. 

At New York : " April 28. — This day I ought to note 
with some extraordinary mark. I had dressed and was 
about to set out, when General Washington, the great- 
est man in the world, paid me a visit. I met him at the 
foot of the stairs. Mr. [Henry] "Wynkoop just came in. 
We asked him to take a seat. He excused himself on 
account of the number of his visits. We accompanied 
him to the door. He made us complaisant bows — one 
before he mounted and the other as he went away on horse- 
back." — Journal of William Maclay, Senator from Penn- 
sylvania. 

"William Maclay, of Pennsylvania, was elected September 30, 1788, with 
Robert Morris, to the United States Senate, and drew the short term, which 
expired on March 3, 1791. In the Senate, Mr. Maclay advanced democratic 
principles ami led the opposition to "Washington, objecting to his presence 
in the Senate during the transaction of business, assailing the policy of the 
administration before him, and reprobating the state and ceremony that were 
observed in his intercourse with Congress. His journal, from which we 
quote, was published at New York in 1890. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 131 

THURSDAY, APRIL 30. 

At New York : " New York, May 1. — Yesterday [April 
30] took place according to the resolution of the two houses 
of Congress, the ceremony of the introduction of his Excel- 
lency George Washington, to the Presidency of the United 
States." — Pennsylvania Packet, May 4. 

"At nine o'clock A.M. the clergy of different denominations assembled 
their congregations in their respective places of worship, and offered up 
prayers for the safety of the president. 

" About twelve o'clock the procession moved from the house of the presi- 
dent in Cherry-Street, through Dock-Street, and Broad-Street, to Federal 
Hall [at "Wall and Nassau Streets] ; in the following order. Colonel [Mor- 
gan] Lewis supported by two officers, Capt. Stakes, with the troop of Horse, 
Artillery, Major Van Home, Grenadiers, under Captain Harsin, German 
Grenadiers, under Capt. Scriba, Major Bicker, The Infantrj^ of the Brigade, 
Major Chrystie, Sheriff [Robert Boyd] The Committee of the Senate,* The 
President and suite. The Committee of the Representatives,! The Honor- 
able Mr. Jay, General Knox, Chancellor Livingston, and several other gen- 
tlemen of distinction. Then followed a multitude of citizens. 

" When they came within a short distance of the Hall, the troops formed 
a line on both sides of the way, and his Excellency passing through the 
ranks, was conducted into the building, and in the Senate Chamber intro- 
duced to both houses of Congress — immediately afterwards, accompanied 
by the two houses, he went into the gallery fronting Broad-Street, where, 
in the presence of an immense concourse of citizens, he took the oath pre- 
scribed by the constitution, which was administered to him by the Hon. R. 
R. Livingston, Esq ; Chancellor of the state of New York. 

"Immediately after he had taken the oath, the Chancellor proclaimed 
him President of the United States. — Was answered by the discharge of 13 
guns, and by loud repeated shouts ; on this the President bowed to the 
people, and the air again rang with their acclamations. His Excellency 
with the two houses, then retired to the Senate Chamber and delivered his 
speech. J 

* Richard Henry Lee, Ralph Izard, and Tristram Dalton. 

f Egbert Benson, Fisher Ames, James Madison, Charles Carroll, and 
Roger Sherman. 

J " As the company returned into the Senate chamber, the President took 
the chair and the Senators and Representatives their seats. He rose, and 
all arose also, and addressed them. This great man was agitated and em- 
barrassed more than ever he was by the leveled cannon or pointed musket. 
He trembled, and several times could scarce make out to read, though it 



132 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

" His excellency accompanied by the Vice President, the Speaker of the 
House of Representatives [Frederick A. Muhlenberg] and both Houses of 
Congress went to St. Paul's chapel [Broadway and Vesey Street] where 
divine Service was performed by Right Reverend Dr. [Samuel] Provost, 
Bishop of the Episcopal Church in this State and Chaplain in Congress. 
The religious ceremony being ended, the President was escorted to his house, 
and the citizens retired to their homes. In the evening was exhibited under 
the direction of Colonel Bauman, a very ingenious and splendid show of 
Fireworks." * — Pennsylvania Packet, May 4. 

FRIDAY, MAY 1. 

At New York : " New York, May 2. — Yesterday morning 
The President received the compliments of His Excellency 
the Vice President, His Excellency the Governor of this 
State ; the principal Officers of the different Departments ; 
the foreign Ministers ; and a great number of other persons 
of distinction." — Gazette of the United States. 

TUESDAY, MAY 5. 

At New York : " May 5. — This being a day for receiving 
company of ceremony, we had a numerous and splendid 
circle between the hours of two and three in the afternoon. 

must be supposed he had often read it before. He put part of the fingers of 
his left hand into the side of what I think the tailors call the fall of the 
breeches, changing the paper into his left [right] hand. After some time 
he then did the same with some of the fingers of his right hand. When he 
came to the words all the world, he made a flourish^with his right hand, 
which left rather an ungainly impression. I sincerely, for my part, wished 
all set ceremony in the hands of the dancing-masters, and that this first of 
men had read off" his address in the plainest manner, without ever taking his 
eyes from the paper, for I felt hurt that he was not first in every thing. He 
was dressed in deep brown, with metal buttons, with an eagle on them, 
white stockings, a bag, and sword." — Journal of William Mad ay. 

* '■^ April 30. — In the evening there was a display of most beautiful fire- 
works and transparent paintings at the Battery. The President, Colonel 
Humphreys, and myself went in the beginning of the evening in the car- 
riages to Chancellor Livingston's and General Knox's where we had a full 
view of the fire-works. We returned home on foot, the throng of people 
being so great as not to permit a carriage to pass through it." — Diary of 
Tobias Lear. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 133 

A committee of the House of Representatives * waited on 
the President with a copy of the address of their House, 
and a request to know when it would be agreeable to him 
to receive it."' — Diary of Tobias Lear. 

Soon after the inauguration it became apparent that particular rules 
should be established for receiving visitors and entertaining company, so 
that the President might be able to attend to business without interruption. 
It was therefore decided that he should return no visits, that invitations to 
dinner should be given only to official characters and strangers of distinction, 
and that the visits of courtesy should be confined to the afternoon of Tuesday 
in each week between the hours of three and four. Foreign ministers and 
strangers were, however, received on other days. On Friday evenings the 
house was open for visits to Mrs. Washington, which were on a more sociable 
footing, and at which the President was always present. Mrs. Washington 
held her first levee on the evening of Friday, the 29th of May, two days after 
her arrival in New York. Thursday of each week was assigned for the state 
dinners. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6. 

At New York : " New York, May 9. — On Wednesday the 
6th inst. was held in St. Paul's Church, the annual COM- 
MENCEMENT of COLUMBIA COLLEGE. . . . THE 
PRESIDENT— His Excellency the Vice-President— the 
Senate — the GOVERNOR, and principal officers of the 
Republic, honored by their presence, this highly useful and 
important literary Institution." — Gazette of the United States. 

THUESDAY, MAY 7. 

At New York : " May 9. — Last Thursday evening [May 
7] the subscribers of the Dancing Assembly gave an elegant 
Ball and Entertainment to his Excellency the President of 
the United States, who was pleased to honor the company 
with his presence. His Excellency the Vice President, 
most of the Members of both Houses of Congress, the 
Governor of New York, the Chancellor, and Chief Justice 
of the State [Richard Morris], the Hon. John Jay, and the 

* Thomas Sinnickson, of New Jersey ; Isaac Coles, of Virginia ; and 
William Smith, of South Carolina. 



134 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

Hon. Gen. Knox, the Commissioners of the Treasury 
[Samuel Osgood, Walter Livingston, and Arthur Lee], 
His Worship the Mayor of the city, the late President 
of Congress [Cyrus Griffin], the Governor of the West- 
ern Territory [Arthur St. Clair], the Baron Steuben, the 
Count de Moustier, Ambassador of his Most Christian 
Majesty, and many other foreigners of distinction were pres- 
ent. A numerous and brilliant collection of ladies graced 
the room with their appearance. The whole number of 
persons was about three hundred. The company retired 
about two o'clock, after having spent a most agreeable 
evening. Joy, satisfaction and vivacity was expressive in 
every countenance — and every pleasure seemed to be 
heightened by the presence of a Washington." — New York 
Packet. 

The ball was held at the Assembly Koom, on the east side of Broadway, a 
little above "Wall Street, and it was decorated for the occasion with tasteful 
and appropriate magnificence. The President danced during the evening 
in the cotillion with Mrs. Peter Van Brugh Livingston and Mrs. James H. 
Maxwell, and in a minuet with Mrs. Maxwell's sister. Miss Van Zandt. It 
is said that an agreeable surprise was prepared by the managers for every 
woman who attended. A sufficient number of fans had been made for the 
purpose in Paris, the ivory frames of which displayed, as they were opened, 
between the hinges and the elegant paper covering, an extremely well exe- 
cuted medallion portrait of Washington, in profile, and a page was appointed 
to present one, with the compliments of the managers, as each couple passed ' 
the receiver of the tickets. 

FKIDAY, MAY 8. 

At Kew York : " New York, May 8. — Mr. Smith, of 
South Carolina, informed the House [of Representatives], 
that the President was ready to receive their address [in 
answer to his speech to both Houses]. The House imme- 
diately rose, and following the Speaker, attended The 
President in the room adjoining, where [at twelve o'clock] 
the Address was presented by the Speaker, in the name of 
the House." — Gazette of the United States. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 135 

" New York, May 13. — Last Saturday [May 9] the Mayor and Members 
of the Corporation of this city, attended by the proper Officers, waited on 
The President of the United States, and presented him with an Ad- 
dress." — Idem. 

MONDAY, MAY 11. 

At New York : " May 11. — I received a ticket from the 
President of the United States to use his box this evening 
at the theatre [John Street, near Broadway], being the first 
of his appearance at the playhouse since his entering on 
his office. The President, Governor of the State, foreign 
Ministers, Senators from New Hampshire [John Langdon 
and Paine Wingate], Connecticut [William S. Johnson 
and Oliver Ellsworth], Pennsylvania [William Maclay and 
Robert Morris], M., and South Carolina [Pierce Butler an<l 
Ralph Izard] ; and some ladies in the same box. I am old, 
and notices or attentions are lost on me. I could have 
wished some of mj dear children in my place ; they an 
young and would have enjoyed it. Long might they live 
to boast of having been seated in the same box with the 
first Character in the world. 

" The play was the ' School for Scandal.' I never liked 
it; indeed, I think it an indecent representation before 
ladies of character and virtue. Farce, the ' Old Soldier.' 
The house greatly crowded, and I thought the players 
acted well ; but I wish we had seen the Conscious Lovers, or 
some one that inculcated more prudential manners." — 
Journal of William Maclay. 

THUKSDAY, MAY 14. 

At New York: ''New York, May 16. — Last Thursday 
evening [May 14], His Excellency THE MD^ISTER of 
FRANCE [Count de Moustier], gave a Ball to THB: 
PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, which was un- 
commonly elegant, in respect both to the company and the 
plan of entertainment. As a compliment to our alliance 
with France, there were two sets of Cotillion Dancers in 



136 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

complete uniforms ; one set in that of France, and tlie 
other in Blue and Buff: The ladies were dressed in white, 
with Ribbands., Bouquets and Garlands of Flowers, answering 
to the uniforms of the Gentlemen.— THE VICE-PRESI- 
DENT — many Members of the Senate, and House of Rep- 
resentatives of the United States— THE GOVERNOR of 
this State— THE GOVERNOR of the Western Territory, 
and other characters of distinction were present." — Gazette 
of the United States. 

FRIDAY, MAY 15. 

At New York : " New York, May 16.— Yesterday Mr. F. 
P. Van Berckel had an audience of The President of the 
United States of America, in which he delivered his Cre- 
dentials of Resident from Their High Mightinesses THE 
States General OF THE United Netherlands, having 
been introduced by the Hon. John Jay, Secretary of State 
for the Department of foreign off airs.'' — Gazette of the United 
States. 

^' New York, May 18. — Friday last [May 15], the Vice-President of the 
United States, the Heads of Departments, the Foreign Ministers, the Judges 
of the Supreme Court of this State, together with a numerous circle of citi- 
zens and foreigners, visited the President at his house." — Pennsylvania 
Packet, May 20. 

MONDAY, MAY 18. 

At New York : " Neio York, May 20. — Monday last [May 
18] the Senate of the United States, with The Vice-Presi- 
dent at their head, went in a body, in carriages, from their 
Chamber of Congress, to the House of The President, 
where the Vice-President read and presented to him an 
Address, in answer to his Speech, delivered to both Houses 
of Congress." — Gazette of the United States. 

TUESDAY, MAY 19. 

At New York : " May 19. — Had agreed with sundry of 
our Pennsylvania friends to go to the levee. General Muh- 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 137 

lenberg came to me and told me they would meet me in 
the committee-room. We did so, and went to the levee. 
I went foremost, and left them to follow and do as well as 
they could. Indeed, they had no great thing of a pattern, 
for I am but a poor courtier. The company was large for 
the room. The foreign Ministers were there, Van Berkel, 
the Dutch Minister (for the first time I suppose), gaudy as a 
peacock. Our Pennsylvanians withdrew before me. The 
President honored me with a particular tete-a-t^te. ' How 
will this weather suit your farming?' 'Poorly — sir; the 
season is the most backward I have ever known. It is re- 
markably so here, but by letters from Pennsylvania vegeta- 
tion is slow in proportion there.' ' The fruit, it is to be 
expected, will be safe ; backward seasons are in favor of it, 
but in Virginia it was lost before I left that place.' ' Much 
depends on the exposure of the orchard. Those with a 
northern aspect have been found by us [in Pennsylvania] 
to be the most certain in producing fruit.' ' Yes, that is a 
good observation and should be attended to.' Made my 
bow and retired," — Journal of William Maclay. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27. 

At New York : " New York, May 27. — This morning at 5 
o'clock the President set off in his barge to meet Mrs. 
Washington at Elizabeth-Town Point." — Gazette of the 
United States. 

" New York, May 30. — Wednesday [May 27] arrived in this city from 
Mount Vernon, Mrs. Washington, the amiable consort of The President of 
the United States. Mrs. Washington from Philadelphia was accompanied 
by the Lady of Mr. Kobert Morris. At Elizabethtown-point she was met 
by The President, Mr. Morris, and several other gentlemen of distinction, 
who had gone there for that purpose. — She was conducted over the bay in 
the President's Barge, rowed by 13 eminent pilots, in a handsome white 
dress ; on passing the Battery a salute was fired ; and on her landing [at 
Peck's Slip] she was welcomed by crowds of citizens, who had assembled to 
testify their joy on this happy occasion. 

"The principal ladies of the city have, with the earliest attention and 
respect, paid their devoirs to the amiable consort of our beloved President, 



138 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

viz. The iMcly of His Excellency the Governor — Lady Sterling — Lady Mary 
Waits — Lady Kitty Due?' — La Marchio7iess de Brehan — the Ladies of the 
Most Hon. Mr. Langdon, and the Most Hon. Mr. Dalton — the Mayoress — 
Mrs. Livingston of Clermont — Mrs. Chancellor Livingston — the Miss Living- 
stones — Lady Temple — Madam de la Forest — Mrs. Montgomery — Mrs. Knox 
— Mrs. Thompson — Mrs. Oerry — Mrs. Edgar — Mrs. M'-Conib — Mrs. Lynch — 
Mrs. Houston — Mrs. Gh-iffin — Mrs. Provost — the Miss Bayards and a great 
number of other respectable characters." — Gazette of the United States. 

THUKSDAY, MAY 28. 

At New York: ''New York, May 30.— Although The 
President makes no formal invitations, yet the day after 
the arrival of Mrs. Washington, the following distinguished 
personages dined at his house, en famille. — Their Excellen- 
cies the Vice-President — the Governor of this State — the 
Ministers of France and Spain — and the Governor of the 
Western Territory — the Hon. Secretary of the United States 
for Foreign Afiairs — the Most Hon. Mr. Langdon, Mr. 
Wingate, Mr. Izard, Mr. Few, and Mr. Muhlenberg, 
Speaker of the Hon. House of Representatives of the 
United States."^ — Gazette of the United States. 

Paine Wingate, Senator from New Hampshire, one of the guests, has left 
the following description of this dinner: " It was the least showy dinner 
that I ever saw at the President's. As there was no clergyman present, 
Washington himself said grace on taking his seat. He dined on a boiled leg 
of mutton, as it was his custom to eat of only one dish. After the dessert a 
single glass of wine was offered to each of the guests, when the President 
rose, the guests following his example, and repaired to the drawing-room, 
each departing at his option, without ceremony." 

FRIDAY, JUNE 5. 

At New York: ''New York, June 8.— THEATRE— 
John-Street — Friday evening [June 5] was presented that 
excellent Comedy the Clandestine Marriage. The Presi- 
dent of the United States and his Lady — the Most Honour- 
able Robert Morris and Lady — the Gentlemen of the Presi- 
dent's Suite — Honourable General Knox and Lady — Baron 
Steuben — and many other respectable and distinguished 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 139 

characters honoured the Theatre with their presence." — 
Pennsylvania Packet, June 10. 



MONDAY, JUNE 8. 

At New York : " Although in the present unsettled state 
of the executive departments, under the government of the 
Union, I do not conceive it expedient to call upon you for 
information officially, yet I have supposed, that some in- 
formal communications from the office of foreign affiiirs 
might neither be improper nor unprofitable." — Washington 
to John Jay^ Secretary of Foreign Affairs. 

The secretaries of the several executive departments under the new gov- 
ernment were not appointed till September. In the mean time the usual 
business of the departments was transacted by the officers who had charge 
of them when the old government expired. Mr. Jay continued to fill the 
office of Secretary of Foreign Affairs till Mr. Jefferson (appointed September 
26) entered upon his duties in March, 1790. The name of the department 
was changed by law to that of the Department of State, and its head was 
thenceforward called Secretary of State. General Knox acted as Secretary 
of "War till his new appointment to the same post on the 12th of September. 
The affairs of the Treasury were administered by a Board, consisting of 
Samuel Osgood, Walter Livingston, and Arthur Lee. These gentlemen 
retained their places till September 11, when Alexander Hamilton was 
appointed Secretary of the Treasury. Edmund Kandolph was appointed 
Attorney-General September 26, and Samuel Osgood Postmaster-General on 
the same day. 

FKIDAY, JUNE 19. 

At New York : " New York, June 19. — His Excellency 
the President of the United States has been much indis- 
posed for several days past, which has caused great anxiety 
in the breast of every true friend to America; on Wednes- 
day he was visited by several physicians, and a chain ex- 
tended across the street to prevent the passing of carriages 
before his door ; it is however hoped, that this indisposition 
will not prove other than incidental, and the cause be soon 
removed." — Pennsylvania Packet, June 22, 



140 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

MONDAY, JUNE 22. 

At ^ew York : " The President has been confined to 
his bed for a week past by a fever, and a violent tumor 
on his thigh; — I have now, however, the pleasure to in- 
form you that the former has left him, and the latter in 
a fair way of being removed, tho' from its size it will be 
some time before he will be wholly relieved from the in- 
convenience of it." — Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, MS. 
Letter. 



" New Yo7-k, June 24. — I informed you in my last, of the 22* that the 
President was recovering from his indisposition, and I am now happy to 
add that he still continues to mend ; — his weakness, and the etfects of the 
tumor on his thigh are now his only complaints — these will be removed by 
time and attention, tho' the latter having been very large & the incision, 
on opening it, deep, must require some time to be in a state to enable him 
to take exercise." — Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, MS. Letter. 

FKIDAY, JULY 3. 

At New York : " I have now the pleasure to inform you, 
that my health is restored, but a feebleness still hangs upon 
me, and I am much incommoded \)y the incision, which 
was made in a very large and painful tumor on the pro- 
tuberance of my thigh. This prevents me from walking 
or sitting. ... I am able to take exercise in my coach, by 
having it so contrived as to extend myself the full length 
of it." — Washington to James Mc Henry. 

The cause of the illness of Washington was a case of anthrax so malig- 
nant as for several days to threaten mortification. His medical adviser 
was Dr. Samuel Bard, who attended him with unremitting assiduity. 
Being alone one day with the doctor, Washington, regarding him steadily, 
asked his candid opinion as to the probable result of his case. "Do not 
flatter me with vain hopes," said he, with placid firmness; "1 am not 
afraid to die, and therefore can bear the worst." The doctor expressed 
hope, but owned that he had apprehensions. " Whether to-night or twenty 
years hence makes no difierence," observed Washington. " I know that 
I am in the hands of a good Providence." His sufferings were intense and 
his recovery was slow. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 141 

SATUKDAY, JULY 4. 

At New York : Is waited on by a committee of the 
Society of the Cincinnati of the State of New York, and 
addressed by its chairman, Baron Steuben. 

The Society afterward marched in procession, attended by Colonel Bau- 
man's artillery and a band of music, to St. Paul's Chapel, where Alexander 
Hamilton delivered an oration in honor of General Nathanael Greene. 
William Maclay, Senator from Pennsylvania, referring to this in his jour- 
nal, says, " The church was crowded. The Cincinnati had seats allotted 
for themselves ; wore their eagles at their button-holes, and were preceded 
by a flag. The oration was well delivered ; the composition appeared good, 
but I thought he should have given us some account of his virtues as a 
citizen as well as a warrior, for I supposed he possessed them, and he lived 
some time after the war, and, I believe, commenced farming." 

MONDAY, JULY 6. 

At New York : " New York, July 6. — "With pleasure we 
announce that the President is considerably recovered from 
his late indisposition, and has, for these few days past, been 
able to take an airing in his carriage." — Pennsylvania Packet y 
July 8. 

THUKSDAY, JULY 23. 

At New York : " New York, July 25. — On Thursday last 
[July 23] that venerable patriot CHARLES THOMPSON, 
Esq. resigned to The President of the United States his 
office of Secretary of Congress — a post which he has filled 
for nearly Fifteen Years, with reputation to himself, and 
advantage to his country. 

" When Heav'n propitious smil'd upon our arms, 
Or scenes adverse spread terror and alarms, 
Thro' every change the Patriot was the same — 
And FAITH and HOPE attended THOMPSON'S NAME." 

— Gazette of the United States. 

The President, in accepting his resignation, wrote to Mr. Thomson under 
date of July 24, as follows : " The present age does so much justice to the 
unsullied reputation, with which you have always conducted yourself in the 
execution of the duties of your office, and posterity will find your name so 



142 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

honorably connected with the verification of such a multitude of astonishing 
facts, that my single suffrage would add little to the illustration of your 
merits. Yet I cannot withhold any just testimonial in favor of so old, so 
faithful, and so able a public officer, which might tend to soothe his mind 
in the shade of retirement. Accept, then, this serious declaration, that your 
services have been important, as your patriotism was distinguished ; and 
enjoy that best of all rewards, the consciousness of having done your duty 
well." 

MONDAY, JULY 27. 

At New York: "Among the first acts of my recom- 
mencing business, after lying six weeks on my right side, is 
that of writing to you this letter in acknowledgment of 
yours of the 1st instant. Not being fairly on my seat yet, 
or, in other words, not being able to sit up without some 
uneasiness, it must be short." — Washington to Bushrod Wash- 
ington. 

" Neio York, July 29. — The President of the United States was so well 
as to receive visits of compliment from many official characters and citizens 
yesterday ; but we learn, that, until his strength shall be more fully restored, 
he proposes to receive them only once a week, and that on Tuesdays. Mrs. 
Washington, we are informed, will be at home every Friday, at eight o'clock 
P.M. to see company." — Gazette of the United States. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19. 

At New York : Receives and answers an address from 
" The Bishops, the Clergy, and Laity of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church in the States of New- York, New- Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and South Caro- 
lina, in Convention at Philadelphia, 7th August, 1789." 

The address was presented by the Eight Rev. Dr. Samuel Provoost, the 
Rev. Mr. William Smith, Mr. Robert Andrews, Mr. John Cox, Mr. Wil- 
liam Brisbane, the Rev. Dr. Abraham Beach, the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Moore, 
Mr. Moses Rogers, the Rev. Uzal Ogden, the Rev. Mr. George H. Spieren, 
the Rev. Mr. Henry Waddell, and the Hon. Mr. Duane. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22. 

At New York : " New York, August 22. — The President 
of the United States will this day, at 11 o'clock, meet the 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 143 

Senate in their chamber of Congress ; to confer with them 
upon the important subject of the approaching negociations 
and treaties with the Southern Indians ; and to make the 
necessary previous arrangements of that business. This 
intention was announced to the Senate by message on 
Thursday last." — Gazette of the Unitsd States. 

" August 22. — Senate met, and went on the Coasting bill. The door- 
keeper soon told us of the arrival of the President. The President was 
introduced, and took our Vice-President's chair. He rose and told us 
bluntly that he had called on us for our advice and consent to some propo- 
sitions respecting the treaty to be held with the Southern Indians. Said he 
had brought General Knox with him, who was well acquainted with the 
business. He then turned to General Knox, who was seated on the left of 
the chair. General Knox handed him a paper, which he handed to the 
President of the Senate, who was seated on a chair on the floor to his right. 
Our Vice-President hurried over the paper. ... I rose reluctantly. Mr. 
President : The paper which you have now read to us appears to have for its 
basis sundry treaties and public transactions between the Southern Indians 
and the United States and the States of Georgia, North Carolina, and South 
Carolina. The business is new to the Senate. It is of importance. It is 
our duty to inform ourselves as well as possible on the subject. I therefore 
call for the reading of the treaties and other documents alluded to in the 
paper before us. I cast an eye at the President of the United States. I saw 
he wore an aspect of stern displeasure. . . . 

" I had at an early stage of the business whispered Mr. Morris that I 
thought the best way to conduct the business was to have all the papers 
committed. . . . Mr. Morris hastily rose and moved that the papers commu- 
nicated to the Senate by the President of the United States should be referred 
to a committee of five, to report as soon as might be on them. ... I rose 
and supported thf mode of doing business by committees ; that committees 
were used in all public deliberative bodies, etc. I thought I did the subject 
justice, but concluded the commitment can not be attended with any possi- 
ble inconvenience. Some articles are already postponed until Monday. 
Whoever the committee are, if committed, they must make their report on 
Monday morning. I spoke through the whole in a low tone of voice. 
Peevishness itself, I think, could not have taken offense at anything I said. 

" As I sat down, the President of the United States started up in a violent 
fret. ' This defeats every purpose of my coming here,^ were the first words 
that he said. He then went on that he had brought his Secretary of War 
with him to give every necessary information ; that the Secretary knew all 
about the business, and yet he was delayed and could not go on with the 
matter. He cooled, however, by degrees. Said he had no objection to 



144 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

putting off this matter until Monday, but declared he did not understand 
the matter of commitment. He might be delayed ; he could not tell how 
long. He rose a second time, and said he had no objection to postponement 
until Monday at ten o'clock. By the looks of the Senate this seemed agreed 
to. A pause for some time ensued. We waited for him to withdraw. He 
did so with a discontented air. Had it been any other man than the man 
whom I wish to regard as the tirst character in the world, 1 would have said, 
with sullen dignity. 

" August 24. — The Senate met. The President of the United States soon 
took his seat, and the business began. The President wore a different aspect 
from what he did Saturday. He was placid and serene, and manifested a 
spirit of accommodation ; declared his consent that his questions should be 
amended. ' ' — Journal of William Maelay. 

THUKSDAY, AUGUST 27. 

At New York; '■'■August 27. — Senate adjourned early. 
At a little after four I called on Mr. [Richard] Bassett, of 
the Delaware State. We went to the President's to dinner. 
The company were : President and Mrs. Washington, Vice- 
President and Mrs. Adams, the Governor and his wife, Mr. 
Jay and wife, Mr. [John] Langdon and wife, Mr. [Tristram] 
Dalton and a lady (perhaps his wife), and a Mr. Smith, Mr. 
Bassett, myself, [Tobias] Lear, [Robert] Lewis,* the Presi- 
dent's secretaries. The President and Mrs. Washington 
sat opposite each other in the middle of the table ; the two 
secretaries, one at each end. It was a great dinner, and the 
best of the kind I ever was at. The room, however, was 
disagreeably warm. 

" First was the soup ; fish roasted and boiled ; meats, 
gammon, fowls, etc. This was the dinner. The middle 
of the table was garnished in the usual tasty way, with 
small images, flowers (artificial), etc. The dessert was, 
first apple-pies, pudding, etc. ; then iced creams, jellies, 
etc.; then water-melons, musk-melons, apples, peaches, 
nuts." — Journal of William Maelay. 

" It was the most solemn dinner ever I sat at. Not a health drank ; 
scarce a word said until the cloth was taken away. Then the President, 



* A nephew of the President, son of his sister Betty Lewis. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 145 

filling a glass of wine, with great formality drank to the health of every 
individual by name round the table. Everybody imitated him, charged 
glasses, and such a buzz of 'health, sir,' and 'health, madam,' and 'thank 
you, sir,' and ' thank you, madam,' never had I heard before. Indeed, I 
had liked to have been thrown out in the hurry ; but I got a little wine in 
my glass, and passed the ceremony. The ladies sat a good while, and the 
bottles passed about ; but there was a dead silence almost. Mrs. Washington 
at last withdrew with the ladies. 

•' I expected the men would now begin, but the same stillness remained. 
The President told of a New England clergyman who had lost a hat and 
wig in passing a river called the Brunks. He smiled, and every body else 
laughed. He now and then said a sentence or two on some common sub- 
ject, and what he said was not amiss. Mr. Jay tried to make a laugh by 
mentioning the circumstance of the Duchess of Devonshire leaving no stone 
unturned to carry Fox's election. There was a Mr. Smith, who mentioned 
how Homer described .^neas leaving his wife and carrying his father out of 
flaming Troy. He had heard somebody (I suppose) witty on the occasion ; 
but if he had ever read it he would have said Virgil. The President kept a 
fork in his hand when the cloth was taken away, I thought for the purpose 
of picking nuts. He ate no nuts, however, but played with the fork, 
striking on the edge of the table with it. We did not sit long after the 
ladies retired. The President rose, went upstairs to drink coflfee ; the com- 
pany followed. I took my hat and came home." — Idem. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1. 

At N"ew York : " September 1. — Baron Steuben and Gov- 
ernor St. Clair dined with us to day; the Baron was re- 
markably cheerful and facetious, likewise greatly devoted 
to the President. In the midst of our mirth my uncle re- 
ceived a letter . . . informing him of the death of my 
grandmother, an event long expected." — Diary of Robert 
Lewis. 

"FEEDERICKSBURG [Virginia], August 27, 1789.— On Tuesday, the 
25th inst. died at her home in this town, Mrs. Mart Washington, aged 
82 years, the venerable mother of the illustrious President of the United 
States, after a long and painful indisposition, which she bore with uncom- 
mon patience. Though a pious tear of duty, affection and esteem, is due 
to the memory of so revered a character, yet our grief must be greatly alle- 
viated from the consideration that she is relieved from the pitiable infirmities 
attendant on an extreme old age. — It is usual when virtuous and conspicu- 
ous persons quit this terrestrial abode, to publish an elaborate panegyric on 
their characters — suffice it to say, she conducted herself through this transi- 

10 



146 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

tory life with virtue, prudence and Christianity, worthy the mother of the 
greatest Hero that ever adorned the annals of history. 

" O may kind heaven, pi'opitious to our fate, 
Extend THAT HEEO'S to her lengthened date ; 
Through the long period, healthy, active, sage; 
Nor know the sad infirmities of age. ' ' 

— Gazette of the United States, September 9. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. 

At New York: " New York, September 12. — On Tuesday 
last [September 8], being the first public levee at the Presi- 
dent's since his mother's decease was known in this city, 
several gentlemen of the two Houses of Congress, and other 
respectable persons, attended it, in American mourning. 
This silent mark of respect, flowing spontaneously from the 
hearts of freemen sympathizing with him in this domestic 
misfortune, manifests sentiments and emotions which no 
language can express in a manner so unequivocal and deli- 
cate." — Gazette of the United States. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. 

At New York : " New York, September 19. — Monday 
evening last [September 14], the President of the United 
States, his lady and family, and several other persons of 
distinction, were pleased to honor Mr. Bowen's exhibition 
of wax-work, with their company, at No. 74 Water-street, 
and appeared exceedingly well pleased with the late im- 
provements made by the Proprietor." — Pennsylvania Packet, 
September 24. 

" New York, September 29.— Yesterday morning the Light Horse, and the 
other Independent Companies in this city, paraded in the Broadway, under 
the immediate command of Col. Bauman ; from whence they proceeded to 
the Race Ground, where they went through a number of manoeuvres in a 
manner that would do credit to regular troops ; — after which they exhibited 
a sham fight, that afforded the highest entertainment to the President, his 
Excellency the Governor, and a large concourse of respectable characters." 
— Pennsylvania Packet, October 2. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 147 

THUKSDAY, OCTOBEK 1. 

At New York : " October 1. — Exercised in my carriage in 
the forenoon. The following company dined here to-day, 
viz : M' [George] Read of the Senate, Col° [Theodoric] 
Bland and M"^ [James] Madison of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, M' [Samuel] Osgood and his lady, Col° [William] 
Duer, his lady and Miss Brown, Col° Lewis Morris and 
lady, lady Christiana Griffin [wife of Cyrus Griffin] and her 
daughter, and Judge [James] Duane and M" [General 
Nathanael] Greene. . . . M"" Thomas Nelson =*= joined my 
family [as a secretary] this day." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 2. — Dispatching Commissions &c. as yesterday, for the Judi- 
ciary. The visitors to M™ Washington this evening were not numerous." — 
Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3. 

At New York : " October 3. — Sat for M' Rammage near 
two hours to-day, who was drawing a miniature Picture of 
me for M" Washington, 

" Walked in the afternoon, and sat about two o'clock for 
Madam de Brehan, to complete a miniature profile of me, 
which she had begun from memory, and which she had 
made exceedingly like the original." — Washington's Diary. 

A miniature in the possession of Mr. H. S. Stabler, of Baltimore, Mary- 
land, is claimed to be the " miniature Picture," by Ramage, referred to in 
the Diary. It represents Washington in uniform, head three-quarters to the 
left, the order of the Cincinnati on the left breast, and is beautifully exe- 
cuted. A reproduction of it on wood, with a statement as to its authen- 
ticity, will be found in vol. xlvii., p. 54-5, of The Century Magazine. John 
Ramage, an Irishman by birth, resided in New York until 1794, when he 
went to Canada, where he died. 

Madame de Brehan, sister of the French minister, Count de Moustier, 
was quite a skilful amateur artist and a great admirer of Washington. On 
the evening of the day of the inauguration the front of her brother's resi- 
dence on Broadway (afterward occupied by the President) was beautifully 
decorated with paintings by her own hand. The "miniature profile," re- 

* Son of General Thomas Nelson, Governor of Virginia, 1781. 



148 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

ferred to in the Diary as " exceedingly like the original," has been engraved 
by A. F. Sergent, B. Roger, and Charles Burt. Proofs of the print by 
Sergent, executed at Paris in 1790, were sent to the President after her return 
to France. Madame de Brehan left New York with her brother about the 
middle of October. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4. 

At New York : " October 4.— Went to St. Paul's Chappel 
in the forenoon. Spent the remainder of the day in writing 
private letters for to-morrow's Post." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 5. — Exercised on horseback between the hours of 9 and 11 in 
the forenoon, and between 5 and 6 in the afternoon, on foot. Had con- 
versation with Col» Hamilton on the propriety of my making a tour through 
the Eastern States during the recess of Congress, to acquire knowledge of the 
face of the Country, the growth and agriculture thereof — and the temper and 
disposition of the inhabitants towards the new government, who thought it a 
very desirable plan, and advised it accordingly. October 6. — Exercised in a 
carriage with M" Washington in the forenoon. Conversed with Gen. Knox, 
Secretary of War, on the above tour, who also recommended it accordingly. 
October 7. — Exercised on horseback, and called on the Vice-President. In 
the afternoon walked an hour. . . . Upon consulting M'' Jay on the propriety 
of my intended tour into the Eastern States, he highly approved of it, but 
observed, a similar visit w'd be expected by those of the Southern." — Wash- 
ington^s Diary. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8. 

At New York : " October 8. — M' Gardoqui took leave, 
proposing to embark to-morrow for Spain.* The following 
company dined with me to-day, viz : The Vice-President, 
his lady and son and her niece, with their son-in-law, Col" 
[William S.] Smith and his lady — Governor Clinton and 
his two eldest daughters — M' [Tristram] Dalton and his 

* " New York, October 14. — On Saturday [October 10] sailed the snow 
San Nicholas, Melide, for Bilboa. His Excellency Don Diego de Gardo- 
qui, Encargado de Negocios, and Minister of his Catholic Majesty to the 
United States, went passenger in this vessel, accompanied by his son, and 
one of his secretaries. Previous to his Excellency's departure, he waited on 
The President of the United States, and had his audience of leave in due 
form : At the same time His Excellency introduced the Hon. Mr. Viar, as 
Charge des Affaires from His Most Catholic Majesty." — Gazette of the 
United States. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 149 

lady, their son-in-law, M' Dubois, and his lady, and their 
other three daughters. 

" In the evening, the Count de Moustier and Madam de 
Brehan came in and sat an hour. M' Madison took his 
leave to-day. He saw no impropriety in my trip to the 
eastward." — Washington's Diary, 

" October 9. — Exercised on horseback between the hours of 9 and 11. 
Visited in my route the gardens of M'' Perry and M' "Williamson* Ke- 
ceived from the French Minister, in person, official notice of his having 
reed, leave to return to his Court, and intended embarkation. . . . The 
visiters this evening to M" "Washington were respectable, both of ^ntle- 
men and ladies. October 10. — Pursuant to an engagement formed on 
Thursday last, I set off about 9 o'clock in my barge to visit M^ Prince's 
fruit gardens and shrubberies at Flushing, on Long Island. The Vice- 
President, Governor of the State, M"" Izard, Col" Smith, and Maj'' Jackson 
accompanied me. These gardens, except in the number of young fruit 
trees, did not answer my expectations. The shrubs were trifling, and the 
flowers not numerous. The inhabitants of this place shewed us what respect 
they could, by making the best use of one cannon to salute. On our return 
we stopped at the seats of General and M' Gouvern'' Morris [Morrisania] 
and viewed a barn of which I have heard the latter speak much belonging to 
his farm — but it was not of a construction to strike my fancy — nor did the 
conveniences of it at all answer their cost. From hence we proceeded to 
Harlaem, where we were met by M" "Washington, M" Adams and M" 
Smith. Dined at the tavern kept by a Capt. Mariner,-)- and came home in 
the evening. October 11. — At home all day — writing private letters." — 
Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, OCTOBEK 12. 

At New York : " October 12. — Received the compliments 
of the Count de Penthere, commanding his most Christian 
Majesty's Squadron in the harbour of Boston — these were 

* Perry's garden was on the west side of the Bloomingdale road, west of 
the present Union Square. "Williamson's was a flower and nursery garden, 
and a place of public resort, on the east side of Greenwich Street, extending 
about three squares up from Harrison Street. 

t Captain William Marriner, who had been associated with Captain Adam 
Hyler in a whale-boat warfare in the vicinity of New York during a part 
of the Revolution, lived at Harlem and on Ward's Island for many years 
after the war, and kept a tavern at each place. 



150 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

sent by the Marquis de Traversy in the Active Frigate ; 
who, with all his officers were presented by the French 
Minister at one o'clock." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 13. — At two o'clock received the Address from the People called 
Quakers.* A good many gentlemen attended the Levee this day. October 
14. — Wrote several letters to France, and about 7 o'clock in the afternoon< 
made an informal visit with M" Washington to the Count de Moustier and 
Madame de Brehan, to take leave of them. Into the hands of .^the former I 
committed these letters, viz : to the Count de Estaing, Count de Eocham- 
beau, the Marqs. de la Fayette and the Marqs. de la Kouirie." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, OCTOBER 15. 

Leaves New York : " October 15. — Commenced my Jour- 
ney about 9 o'clock for Boston and a tour through the 
Eastern States.f The Chief Justice, Mr. Jay — and the Sec- 
retaries of the Treasury and War Departments accompanied 
me some distance out of the city. About 10 o'clock it 
began to Rain, and continued to do so till 11, when we ar- 
rived at the house of one Hoyatt, who keeps a Tavern at 
Kings-bridge, where we, that is, Major Jackson, Mr. Lear 
and myself with six servants, which composed my Retinue, 
dined. After dinner, through frequent light showers we 
proceed'd to the Tavern of a Mrs. Haviland at Rye. . . . 
The distance of this day's travel was 31 miles, in which we 
passed through (after leaving the bridge) East Chester, 
New Rochelle, and Mamaroneck." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 16. — About 7 o'clock we left the Widow Haviland's, and after 
passing Horse Neck, six miles distant from Rye, we breakfasted at Stamford, 
[Connecticut] which is G miles further. . . . At Norwalk, which is ten 
miles further, we made a halt to feed our Horses. . . . From hence to Fairr 

* For this address and the answer to it, see Penna. Mag., Vol. XIII. 
p. 245. 

f Congress having adjourned from the 29th of September to the 4th of 
January, 1790, the President resolved to embrace the opportunity to make a 
tour through the Eastern States, omitting Rhode Island, that State not 
having, as yet, accepted the Federal Constitution. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 151 

field, where we dined and lodged, is 12 miles. October 17. — A little after 
sun-rise we left Fairfield, and passing through Et. Fairfield, breakfasted at 
Stratford, wch. is ten miles from Fairfield. ... At this place I was received 
with an effort of Military parade ; and was attended to the Ferry, which is 
near a mile from the center of the Town, by sevl. Gentlemen on horse- 
back. . . . From the Ferry it is abt. 3 miles to Milford. . . . From Milford 
we took the lower road through West haven, and arrived at New Haven 
before two o'clock ; we had time to walk through several parts of the City 
before Dinner. ... The Address [of the Assembly] was presented at 7 
o'clock — and at nine I received another address from the Congregational 
Clergy of the place. Between the rect. of the two addresses I received the 
Compliment of a visit from the Govr. Mr. [Samuel] Huntington — the Lieut. 
Govr. Mr. [Oliver] Wolcott — and the Mayor, Mr. Roger Sherman." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18. 

At New Haven, Connecticut : " October 18. — Went in the 
forenoon to the Episcopal Church, and in the afternoon to 
one of the Congregational Meeting-Houses. Attended to 
the first by the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Edwards, 
and a Mr. Ingersoll, and to the latter by the Governor, the 
Lieut. Governor, the Mayor, and Speaker. 

" These Gentlemen all dined with me, (by invitation,) as 
did Genl. [Jedidiah] Huntington, at the House of Mr. 
Brown, where I lodged, and who keeps a good Tavern. 
Drank Tea at the Mayor's (Mr. Sherman). ... At 7 
o'clock in the evening many Ofiicers of this State, belong- 
ing to the late Continental army, called to pay their re- 
spects to me." — Washington'' s Diary. 

" October 19. — Left New-haven at 6 o'clock, and arrived at "Wallingford 
(13 miles) by half after 8 o'clock, where we breakfasted, and took a walk 
through the Town. . . . About 10 o'clock we left this place, and at the dis- 
tance of 8 miles passed through Durham. At one we arrived at Middle- 
town, on Connecticut River, being met two or three miles from it by the 
respectable Citizens of the place, and escorted in by them. While dinner 
was getting ready I took a walk round the Town, from the heights of which 
the prospect is beautiful. . . . Having dined, we set out with the same 
Escort (who conducted us into town) about 3 o'clock for Hartford, and 
passing through a Parish of Middletown and Weathersfield, we arrived at 
Harfd. about sundown. At Weathersfield we were met by a party of the 



152 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

Hartford light horse, and a number of Gentlemen from the same place with 
Col" [Jeremiah] Wadsworth at their head, and escorted to Bull's Tavern 
where we lodged." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBEK 20. 

At Hartford, Connecticut : " October 20. — After breakfast, 
accompanied by Col° Wadsworth, Mr. [Oliver] Ellsworth 
and Col" Jesse Root, I viewed the Woolen Manufactory at 
this place, which seems to be going on with spirit. Their 
Broadcloths are not of the first quality, as yet, but they are 
good ; as are their Coatings, Cassimeres, Serges and Ever- 
lastings; of the first, that is, broad-cloth, I ordered a suit 
to be sent to me at Kew York — and of the latter a whole 
piece, to make breeches for my servants. All the parts of 
this business are performed at the Manufactory except the 
spinning — this is done by the Country people, who are paid 
by the cut. . . . Dined and drank Tea at Col" Wadsworth's, 
and about 7 o'clock received from, and answered the 
Address of, the Town of Hartford." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBEE 21. 

At Springfield, Massachusetts : " October 21. — By promise 
I was to have Breakfasted at Mr. Ellsworth's at Windsor, 
on my way to Springfield, but the morning proving very 
wet, and the rain not ceasing till past 10 o'clock, I did not 
set out till half after that hour ; I called, however, on Mr. 
Ellsworth and stay'd there near an hour — reached Spring- 
field by 4 o'clock, and while dinner was getting, examined 
the Continental Stores at this place. ... A Col° Worthing- 
ton, Col" Williams, Adjutant General of the State of Massa- 
chusetts, Gen. [William] Shepherd [Shepard], Mr. Lyman, 
and many other Gentlemen sat an hour or two with me in 
the evening at Parson's Tavern, where I lodged, and which 
is a good House." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 22. — Set out at 7 o'clock ; came to Palmer, at the House of one 
Scott, where we breakfasted. ... At Brookland [Brookfield] we fed the 
Horses and dispatched an Express which was sent to me by Govr. Hancock 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 153 

— giving notice of the measures he was about to pursue for my reception on 
the Koad, and in Boston — with a request to lodge at his House. Continued 
on to Spencer, 10 miles further, and lodged at the House of one Jenks, who 
keeps a pretty good Tavern. October 'I'd. — Commenced our course with the 
Sun, and passing through Leicester, met some Gentlemen of the Town of 
Worcester, on the line between it and the former to escort us. Arrived 

about 10 o'clock at the House of where we breakfasted — distant from 

Spencer 12 miles. Here we were received by a handsome Company of 
Militia Artillery in Uniform, who saluted with 13 Guns on our Entry and 
departure. At this place also we met a Committee from the Town of 
Boston. . . . These matters [entrance into Boston] being settled, the Com- 
mittee set forward on their return — and after breakfast I followed. The 
same Gentlemen who had escorted me into, conducting me out of Town. 
On the Line between Worcester and Middlesex I was met b}' a Troop of 
light Horse belonging to the latter, who Escorted me to Marlborough, (16 
miles) where we dined, and thence to Weston (14 more) where we lodged." 
— Washington's Diary. 

SATUKDAY, OCTOBER 24. 

At Boston : " October 24. — Dressed by Seven o'clock, and 
set out at eight— at ten we arrived in Cambridge, according 
to appointment ; but most of the Militia having a distance 
to come, were not in line till after eleven ; they made how- 
ever an excellent appearance, with Genl. [John] Brooks at 
their Head. At this place the Lieut. Govr. Mr. Saml. 
Adams, with the Executive Council, met me and preceeded 
my entrance into town — which was in every degree flat- 
tering and honorable. To pass over the Minutiae of the 
arrangement for this purpose, it may suffice to say that at 
the entrance I was welcomed by the Selectmen in a body.* 
Then following the Lieut't Govr. and Council in the order 
we came from Cambridge (preceeded by the Town Corps, 
very handsomely dressed,) we passed through the Citizens 
classed in their different professions, and under their own 

* "At one o'clock. The President's approach was announced by federal 
discharges from Capt. Warner's artillery at Roxbiiry — from the Dorchester 
artillery posted on the celebrated heights of that town — from Capt. Johnson's 
artillery at the entrance of the town — and from Castle William ; by a royal 
salute from the Ships of his most Christian Majesty's squadron, and by the 
ringing of all the bells." — Massachusetts Magazine, October, 1789. 



154 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

banners, till we came to the State House; from which 
across the Street an Arch was thrown; in the front of 
which was this Inscription — ' To the Man who unites all 
hearts' — and on the other — ' To Columbia's favorite Son' — 
and on one side thereof next the State House, in a pannel 
decorated with a trophy, composed of the Arms of the 
United States — of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — 
and our French Allies, crowned with a wreath of Laurel, 
was this Inscription — 'Boston relieved March 17th, 1776.' 
This Arch was handsomely ornamented, and over the 
Center of it a Canopy was erected 20 feet high, with the 
American Eagle perched on the top. After passing through 
the Arch, and entering the State House at the S° End and 
ascending to the upper floor and returning to a Balcony at 
the N" End ; three cheers was given by a vast concourse of 
people who by this time had assembled at the Arch — then 
followed an ode composed in honor of the President ; * and 
well sung by a band of select singers — after this three 
Cheers — followed by the different Professions and Me- 
chanics in the order they were drawn up with their colours 
through a lane of the People, which had thronged abt. the 
Arch under which they passed. The Streets, the Doors, 
windows and tops of the Houses were crowded with well 
dressed Ladies and Gentlemen. The procession being over, 
I was conducted to my lodgings at a Widow IngersolTs, 
(which is a very decent and good house) by the Lieut. Govr. 
and Council — accompanied by the Vice President, where 
they took leave of me. Having engaged yesterday to take 
an informal dinner with the Govr. [John Hancock] to-day, 
but under a full persuasion that he would have waited upon 
me so soon as I should have arrived — I excused myself 
upon his not doing it, and informing me thro' his Secretary 
that he was too much indisposed to do it, being resolved to 



* This ode, sung by the Independent Musical Society, was published in the 
October number of the Massachusetts Masjazine. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 155 

receive the visit. Dined at my Lodgings, where the Vice- 
President favoured me with his Company." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" October 25. — Attended Divine Service at the Episcopal Church, whereof 
Doctor [Samuel] Parker is the Incumbent, in the forenoon, and the Con- 
gregational Church of Mr. [Peter] Thatcher in the afternoon. — Dined at 
my Lodgings with the Vice-President. Mr. [James] Bowdoin accompanied 
me to both Churches. Between the two I received a visit from the Govr. 
who assured me that indisposition alone prevented his doing it yesterday, 
and that he was still indisposed ; but as it had been suggested that he 
expected to receive the visit from the President which he knew was im- 
proper, he was resolved at all haz'ds to pay his Compliments to-day. Oeio- 
ber 26. — The day being Rainy and Stormy, myself much disordered by a 
cold, and inflammation in the left eye, I was prevented from visiting Lex- 
ington, (where the first blood in the dispute with G. Brit'n was drawn). 
Rec'd the complim'ts of many visits to-day. Mr. Dalton and Genl. [David] 
Cobb dined with me, and in the Evening drank Tea with Govr Hancock, 
and called upon Mr. Bowdoin on my return to my lodgings. October 27. — 
At 10 o'clock in the Morning received the visits of the Clergy of the Town. 
At 11 I went to an Oratorio [at King's Chapel] — and between that and 3 
o'clock rec'd the Addresses of the Governor and Council — of the Town of 
Boston — of the President [Joseph Willard], &c of Harvard College, and of 
the Cincinnati of the State ; after v/ch. at 3 o'clock, 1 dined at a large and 
elegant Dinner at Fanuiel Hall, given by the Gov'r and Council, and spent 
the evening at my lodgings. October 28. — At 11 o'clock 1 embarked on 
board the Barge of the Illustrious, Captn. Penthere Gion [commander of 
the French squadron], and visited his Ship and the Superb, another 74 Gun 
Ship in the Harbour of Boston, about 4 miles below the Town. Going and 
coming I was saluted by the two frigates which lye near the wharves, and 
by the 74s after I had been on board of them ; as also by the 40 Gun Ship 
which lay in the same range with them. I was also saluted going and 
coming by the fort on Castle Isld. After my return I dined in a large com- 
pany at Mr. Bowdoin's, and went to the Assembly in the evening, where (it 
is said) there were upwards of 100 Ladies. Their appearance was elegant, 
and many of them very handsome ; the Room is small but neat, and well 
ornamented." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29. 

At Salem, Massachusetts : " October 29. — Left Boston 
about 8 o'clock. Passed over the Bridge at Charles-Town, 
and went to see that at Maiden, but proceeded to the Col- 
lege at Cambridge, attended by the Vice-President, Mr. 



156 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

Bowdoin, and a great number of Gentlemen. . . . From 
Boston, besides the number of citizens which accompanied 
me to Cambridge, and many of them from thence to Lynn 
— the Boston Corps of Horse escorted me to the line be- 
tween Middlesex and Essex County, where a party of 
Horse, with Genl. [Jonathan] Titcomb, met me, and con- 
ducted me through Marblehead to Salem. . . . At the 
Bridge, 2 miles from this Town, we were also met by a 
Committee, who conducted us by a Brigade of the Militia 
and one or two handsome Corps in Uniform, through 
several of the Streets to the Town or Court House, where 
an Ode in honor of the President was sung — an Address 
presented to him amidst the acclamations of the People ; 
after which he w^as conducted to his Lodgings. Rec'd the 
Compliments of many differt. classes of People, and in the 
evening, between 7 and 8 o'clock, went to an Assembly, 
where there was at least an hundred handsome and well 
dressed Ladies. Abt. nine I returned to my Lodgings." — 
Washington's Diary. 

FKIDAY, OCTOBER 30. 

At Newburyport, Massachusetts : " October 30. — A little 
after 8 o'clock I set out for Newbury-Port ; and in less than 
2 miles crossed the Bridge between Salem and Beverly. 
. . . After passing Beverley, 2 miles, we come to the Cotton 
Manufactury. . . . From this place, with escorts of Horse, 
I passed on to Ipswich, about 10 miles; at the entrance of 
which I was met and welcomed by the Select men, and re- 
ceived by a Regm't of Militia. At this place I was met by 
Mr. Dalton and some other Gentlemen from Newburyport; 
partook of a cold collation, and proceeded on to the last 
mentioned place, where I was received with much respect 
and parade, about 4 o'clock. In the evening there were 
rockets and some other fireworks^and every other dem- 
onstration to welcome me to the Town." — Washington's 
Diary. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 157 

SATUKDAY, OCTOBER 31. 

At Portsmouth, N'ew Hampshire : " October 31. — Left 
Newbury-port a little after 8 o'clock (first breakfasting 
with Mr. Dalton) . . . and in three miles came to the line 
wch, divides the State of Massachusetts from that of New 
Hampshire. Here I took leave of Mr. Dalton and many 
other private Gentlemen who accompanied me; also of 
Gen'l Titcomb, who had met me on the line between Mid- 
dlesex and Essex Counties — Corps of light Horse, and many 
officers of Militia — and was ree'd by the President of the 
State of New Hampshire [John Sullivan] — the Vice-Presi- 
dent [John Pickering]; some of the Council — Messrs. 
Langdon and Wingate of the Senate — Col" [John] Parker, 
Marshall of the State, and many other respectable charac- 
ters; besides several Troops of well cloathed Horse in 
handsome Uniforms, and many ofiicers of the Militia also 
in handsome (white and red) uniforms of the Manufacture 
of the State. With this cavalcade, we proceeded, and 
arrived before 3 o'clock at Portsmouth where we were 
received with every token of respect and appearance of 
cordiality, under a discharge of artillery. The streets, 
doors and windows were crowded here, as at all the other 
Places ; and alighting at the Town House, odes were sung 
and played in honor of the President. The same happened 
yesterday at my entrance into Newburyport — being stopped 
at my entrance to hear it. From the Town House I went 
to Colonel Brewster's Ta'n, the place provided for my resi- 
dence; and asked the President, Vice-President, the two 
Senators, the Marshall, and Majr. [Nicholas] Gilman to 
dine with me, which they did ; after which I drank Tea at 
Mr. Langdons." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ November 1.— Attended by the President of the State (Genl. Sullivan), 
Mr. Langdon, and the Marshall, I went in the forenoon to the Episcopal 
Church, under the incumbency of a Mr. Ogden ; and in the afternoon to one 
of the Presbyterian or Congregational Churches, in which a Mr. [Joseph] 
Buckminster Preached. Dined at home with the Marshall, and spent the 



158 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

afternoon in my own room writing letters. Novetnber 2. — Having made 
previous preparations for it, about 8 o'clock, attended by the President, Mr. 
Langdon, and some other Gentlemen, I went in a boat to view the harbour 
of Portsmouth. ... In my way to the mouth of the Harbour, I stopped at 
a place called Kittery, in the Province of Maine. . . . From hence I went 
by the old Fort (formerly built while under the English government) on an 
Island which is at the entrance of the harbour, and where the Light House 
stands. As we passed this Fort we were saluted by 13 Guns. Having 
Lines, we proceeded to the Fishing banks a little without the Harbour, and 
fished for Cod ; but it not being a proper time of tide, we only caught two, 
with w'ch, about 1 o'clock, we returned to Town. Dined at Mr. Langdon 's 
and drank Tea there, with a large circle of Ladies, and retired a little after 
seven o'clock. Before dinner I rec'd an address from the Town, presented 
by the Vice-President." — Washington's Diary. 



TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3. 

At Portsmouth : " November 3. — Sat two hours in the 

forenoon for a Mr Painter,* of Boston, at the request 

of Mr. Breck of that place ; who wrote Majr. Jackson that 
it was an earnest desire of many of the Inhabitants of that 
Town that he might be indulged. . . . About 2 o'clock, I 
received an Address from the Executive of the State of 
New Hampshire, and in half an hour after dined with them 
and a large company, at their assembly room, which is one 
of the best I have seen anywhere in the United States. At 
half after seven I went to the assembly, where there were 
about 75 well dressed, and many of them very handsome 
ladies — among whom (as was also the case at the Salem and 
Boston assemblies) were a greater proportion with much 
blacker hair than are usually seen in the Southern States. 
About nine I returned to my quarters." — Washington's 
Diary. 



* The painter, whose name is not mentioned in the Diary, was Christian 
Gulager, a Dane, who settled in Boston about the year 1781. He left that 
city in 1791, and after living in New York for some years, went to Phila- 
delphia, where he died in 1827. His portrait of "Washington was engraved 
by William E. Marshall, and published in the " Proceedings of the Massa- 
chusetts Historical Society," vol. i., 1855-58. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 159 

" November 4. — About half after seven I left Portsmouth, quietly, and 
without any attendance, having earnestly entreated that all parade and 
ceremony might be avoided on my return. Before ten I reached Exeter, 14 
miles distance. . . . From hence, passing through Kingstown, (6 miles 
from Exeter) I arrived at Haverhill [Massachusetts] about halt-past two, 
and stayed all night. Walked through the town, which stands at the head 
of the tide of Merrimack River, and in a beautiful part of the country." — 
Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 

At Watertown, Massachusetts : " November 5. — About 
sunrise I set out, crossing the Merrimack River at the 
town, over to the township of Bradford, and in nine miles 
came to Abbot's tavern in Andover, where we breakfasted, 
and met with much attention from Mr. [Samuel] Phillips, 
President of the Senate of Massachusetts, who accompanied 
us through Bellariki [Billerica] to Lexington, where I 
dined, and viewed the spot on which the first blood was 
spilt in the dispute with Great Britain, on the 19th of 
April, 1775. Here I parted with Mr. Phillips, and pro- 
ceeded on to Watertown. . . . We lodged in this place at 
the house of a Widow Coolidge, near the Bridge, and a 
very indifferent one it is." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 6. — A little after seven o'clock, under great appearances of 
rain or snow, we left Watertown, and passing through Needham (five miles 
therefrom) breakfasted at Sherburn, which is 14 miles from the former. 
Then passing through Holliston, 5 miles, Milford 6 more, Menden 4 more, 
and Uxbridge 6 more, we lodged at one Taft's, 1 mile further ; the whole 
distance of this day's travel being 36 miles. November 7. — Left Taft's before 
sunrise, and passing through Douglass wood, breakfasted at one Jacobs' in 
Thompson [Connecticut], 12 miles distant; not a good house. Bated the 
horses in Pomfret, at Col" Grosvenor's distant 11 miles from Jacobs-', and 
lodged at Squire Perkins' in Ashford, (called 10 miles, but must be 12). 
November 8. — It being contrary to law and disagreeable to the People of 
this State (Connecticut) to travel on the Sabbath day — and my horses, after 
passing through such intolerable roads, wanting rest, I stayed at Perkins' 
tavern (which, by the bye, is not a good one,) all day — and a meeting-house 
being within a few rods of the door, I attended morning and evening service, 
and heard very lame discourses from a Mr. [Enoch] Pond." — Washington's 
Diary. 



160 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9. 

At Hartford, Connecticut : " November 9. — Set out about 
7 o'clock, and for the first 24 miles had hilly, rocky, and 
disagreeable roads ; the remaining 10 was level and good, 
but in places sandy. Arrived at Hartford a little before 
four. We passed through Mansfield . . . and breakfasted 
at one Brigham's, in Coventry." — Washingtoii' s Diary. 

" November 10. — Left Hartford about 7 o'clock. . . . Breakfasted at 
Worthington, in the township of Berlin, at the house of one Fuller. Bated 
at Smith's on the plains of Wallingford, 13 miles from Fuller's which is the 
distance Fuller's is from Hartford — and got into New Haven which is 13 
miles more, about half an hour before sun-down. At this place I met Mr. 
[Elbridge] Gerrj-, in the stage from New York, who gave me the first cert'n 
acct. of the health of Mrs. Washington. November 11. — Set out about sun- 
rise, and took the upper road to Milford, it being shorter than the lower one 
through "West Haven. Breakfasted at the former. Baited at Fairfield ; 
and dined and lodged at a Maj. Marvin's 9 miles further. Noveviber 12. — 
A little before sunrise we left Marvin's, and breakfasting at Stamford, 13 
miles distant, reached the Widow Haviland's, 12 miles further ; where, on 
acct. of some lame horses, we remained all night." — Washington's Diary, y 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13. 

At Ne-w York : " November 13. — Left Mrs. Haviland's as 
soon as "we could see the road, and breakfasted at Hoyet's 
tavern, this side Kings-bridge, and between two and three 
o'clock arrived at my house at New York, where I found 
Mrs. "Washington and the rest of the family all well — and 
it being Mrs. Washington's night to receive '^sits, a pretty 
large company of kdies and gentlemen were present." — 
Washington's Diary. 

^^ New Fork, November 14. — Yesterday, at one o'clock, THE PRESI- 
DENT of the United States returned to this city in perfect health, from his 
tour thro the Eastern States. This event was announced by a federal salute 
from the Battery." — Gazette of the United States. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14. 

At New York : " November 14. — At home all day — except 
taking a walk round the Battery in the afternoon. At 4 



i 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 161 

o'clock received and answered an Address from the Presi- 
dent [John Wheelock] and Corporation of Dartmouth Col- 
lege [Hanover, New Hampshire] — and about noon sundry 
visits." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ November 15. — Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the forenoon — and after 
returning from thence was visited by Majr. Butler, Majr. Meredith and M' 
Smith, So. Car'a. Received an invitation to attend the Funeral of M" 
[Isaac] Eoosevelt (the wife of a Senator of this State), but declined com- 
plying with it — first, because the propriety of accepting any invitation of 
this sort appeared very questionable — and secondly (though to do it in this 
instance might not be improper), because it might be difficult to discriminate 
in cases which might thereafter happen. November 16. — The Commissioners 
[General Lincoln, Colonel Humphreys, and David Griffin], who had re- 
turned from the proposed treaty with the Creek Indians before me to this 
city, dined with me to-daj', as did their Secretar)^, Col" Franks, and young 
31'' Lincoln, who accompanied them. November 17. — The visitors at the 
Levee to-day were numerous. November 18. — Took a walk in the forenoon, 
and called upon M"' Jay on business, but he was not within. On my return, 
paid M' Vaughan Sen'' a visit, informal." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19. 

At New York : " November 19. — The following company 
dined here to-day, viz : M" Adams (lady to the Vice-Presi- 
dent) Col" [William S.] Smith and lady, and Miss Smith, 
M" Adam's niece — Gov' Clinton and lady, and Miss Cor- 
nelia Clinton — and Maj. Butler, his lady and two daugh- 
ters." — Washington's Diary. 

" November 20. — The visitors of gent'n and ladies to M" Washington thi.s 
evening were numerous and ' respectable. November 21. — Received in the 
afternoon the Report from the Commissioners appointed to treat with the 
Southern Indians — gave it one reading — and shall bestow another and more 
attentive one on it. November 22. — Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the fore- 
noon — heard a charity sermon for the benefit of the Orphan's School of this 
city. November 23. — Rid five or six miles between breakfast and dinner. 
Called upon M' Vanberckel * and M" Adams. November 24.— A good deal 
of company at the Levee to-day. Went to the play in the evening— sent 
tickets to the following ladies and gentlemen and invited them to seats in 

" Peter John Van Berckel, of Rotterdam, minister to the United States 
from the United Netherlands. 

11 



162 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

my box viz: — M" Adams (lady of the Vice-President), Genl. [Philip] 
Schuyler and lady, M' [Rufus] King and lady, Maj' Butler and lady, Colo 
Hamilton and lady, M" Green — all of whom accepted and came, except M" 
Butler, who was indisposed." — Washington's Diary. 



WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26. 

At New York : " Noveinber 25. — Exercised on horseback 
between breakfast and dinner — in which, returning, I called 
upon M'' Jay and Gen. Knox on business — and made in- 
formal visits to the Gov% M'' Izard, Gen^ Schuyler, and 
M" Dalton. The following company dined with me, viz : 
Docf" [William S.] Johnson and lady and daughter (M" 
jSTeely) M^ Izard and lady and son, M"" [William] Smith 
(So. Carolina) and lady, M' Kean and lady, and the Chief 
Justice, M' Jay. 

" After which I went with M" Washington to the dancing 
assembly, at which I stayed until 10 o'clock." — Washington's 
Diary. 



" November 26. — Being the day appointed for a thanksgiving,* I went 
to St. Paul's Chapel, though it was most inclement and stormy — but few 
people at Church. November 27. — Not many visitors this evening to M" 
Washington. November 28. — Exercised on horseback. November 29. — Went 
to St. Paul's Ciiapel in the forenoon. Nove'inber 30 — Went to the Play in 
the evening, and presented tickets to the following persons, viz : Docf 
Johnson and lady, M' Dalton and lady, the Chief Justice of the United 
States and Secretary of War and lady, Baron de Steuben, and M" Green. 
December 1. — A pretty full Levee to-day — among the visitors was the Vice- 
President and all the Senators in town. Exercised on horseback between 
10 and 12. December 2. — Exercised in the post chaise with M" Washing- 

* On the 29th of September the first session of the first Congress was 
brought to a close. Before their adjournment the two Houses appointed a 
joint committee to wait on the President and " request that he would rec- 
ommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving 
and prayer to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many 
and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by aflbrding them an oppor- 
tunity peacefully to establish a constitution of government for their safety 
and happiness." The proclamation recommending Thursday, November 26, 
for a national thanksgiving was issued on Saturday, October 3. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 163 

ton — visited on our return the Vice-President and family — afterwards 
walked to M' King's — neither he nor his lady were at home, or to be 
seen." — Washington' s Diary. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3. 

At New York : " December 3. — The following gentlemen 
and ladies dined here, viz : Gen, Schuyler, his lady and 
daughter (M" [Stephen Van] Ranselaer) M'" Dalton and his 
lady, the Secretary of the Treasury and his lady, Gen. 
Knox and lady, and M" Greene, Baron de Steuben, Col" 
Osgood (Post Master Gen'), and the Treasurer Maj"" [Sam- 
uel] Meredith." — Washington's Diary. 

^'- Decernber 4. — A great number of visiters (gentlemen and ladies) this 
evening to M" Washington. The Governor of New Jersey [William Liv- 
ingston], and the Speaker of the House of Assembly of that State [John 
Beatty], presented an Address from the Legislature thereof and received an 
answer to it, after which they dined with me. December 6. — Exercised on 
horseback between 10 and 12 o'clock. The Vice-President and lady and 
two sons — Col" Smith and lady, and his sister, and M" Adam's niece, dined 
here. December 6. — Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the forenoon. December 
7. — W^alked round the Battery in the afternoon. December 8. — Finished 
my extracts from the Commissioners' Report of their proceedings at the 
Treaty with the Creek Indians — and from many other papers respecting 
Indian matters and the Western Territory. A full levee to-day. December 
9. — Walked round the Battery." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10. 

At New York : " December 10. — Exercised on horseback 
between 10 and 12 o'clock. The following company dined 
here to-day, viz : M" King and M' and M" [William] Few, 
M' and M" Harrison, M"" and M'' [Oliver] Wolcott, M' Duer, 
his lady, and Miss Brown, M"" [Samuel] Griffin and lady, 
and Lady Christiana and her daughter." — Washington's 
Diary. 

^^ December 11. — Being rainy and bad, no person except the Vice-Presi- 
dent visited M" Washington this evening. December 12. — Exercised in the 
coach with M" Washington and the two children (Master [George Wash- 



164 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1789 

ington Parke] and Miss [Nelly] Custis), between breakfast and dinner — 
went the 14 miles round. December 13. — "Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the 
forenoon. December 14. — Walked round the Battery in the afternoon. 
December 15. — Exercised on horseback about 10 o'clock — called on the Sec- 
retary for the Department of War, and gave him the heads of many letters 
to be written to characters in the Western Country, relative chiefly to Indian 
AflPairs. Visitors to the levee to-day were not very numerous, though re- 
spectable. December 16. — Dined with M" Washington and all the family 
(except the two children) at Governor Clinton's — where also dined the Vice- 
President, his lady, Col" and M" Smith, the Mayor (Col" [Richard] Varick) 
and his lady, and old M"" Van Berkel and his daughter." — Washington's 
Diary. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17. 

At New York: " December 17. — The following company 
dined here, viz : The Chief Justice of the U. States and 
his lady; M' King, CoP and M" [John] Lawrence, M" 
[Elbridge] Gerry, M' Egbert Benson, Bishop Provost [Pro- 
voost], and Doctr. Lynn* and his lady." — Washington'' s 
Diary. 

" December 18. — Read over and digested my thoughts upon the subject 
of a National Militia, from the plans of the militia of Europe, those of the 
Secretary at War, and the Baron de Steuben. December 19. — Committed 
the above thoughts to writing, in order to send them to the Secretary for 
the Department of War, to be worked into the form of a Bill, with which 
to furnish the Committee of Congress which had been appointed to draught 
one. December 20. — Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the forenoon. December 
21. — Framed the above thoughts on the subject of a National Militia into 
the form of a Letter, and sent it to the Secretary for the Department of 
War. Sat from ten to one o'clock for a M' Savage, to draw my Portrait for 
the University of Cambridge, in the State of Massachusetts, at the request 
of the President and Governors of the said University.''! — Washington's 
Diary. 

* William Linn, first chaplain of the United States House of Representa- 
tives. 

f The bust portrait painted by Edward Savage from this and the subse- 
quent sittings recorded in the Diary is still owned by Harvard College. It 
represents Washington in uniform, with the order of the Cincinnati on the 
left breast, and has always been considered a faithful likeness of the great 
original. Mr. Savage afterward (1792) engraved this portrait in the stipple 
manner. Impressions are held in much esteem by good judges of the art. 



1789] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 165 

TUESDAY, DECEMBEK 22. 

At ITew York : " December 22. — A pretty full and re- 
spectable Levee to-day — at which several members of Con- 
gress, newly arrived, attended." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ December 23. — Exercised in the Post-Chaise with M" "Washington to- 
day. Sent the dispatches which came to me from the Assembly of Virginia, 
and from the Eepresentatives of several Counties therein, respecting the state 
of the frontiers and depredations of the Indians, to the Secretary for the 
Department of War, requesting his attendance to-morrow at 9 o'clock, that 
I might converse more fully with him on the subject of the communications. 
December 24. — The Secretary of War coming according to appointment, he 
was instructed, after conversing fully on the matter, what answers to return 
to the Executive of Virginia, and to the Representatives of the frontier 
counties. December 25. — Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the forenoon. The 
visitors to M" Washington this afternoon were not numerous, but respecta- 
ble." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26. 

At New York : " December 26. — Exercised on horseback 
in the forenoon. Chief Justice Morris and the Mayor (Col" 
Varick), and their ladies, Judge [John Sloss] Hobart, Col" 
Cole, Maj'' [Mcholas] Gilman, M""^ Brown, Secretary Otis,* 
and M' Beekley,t dined here." — Washington's Diary. 

" December 27. — At home — all day — weather bad. December 28. — Sat all 
the forenoon for M' Savage, who was taking my portrait. Decetnber 29. — 
Being very snowing, not a single person appeared at the Levee. December 
30. — Exercised in a carriage. Dece.nler "A. — Bad wculhcr and close house. 
The Vice-President and lady, Col" Smith and lady, Chan' Livingston, lady 
and sister. Baron Steuben, Messrs. [Alexander] AVhite, [Elbridge] Gerry, 
[George] Partridge and [Thomas T.] Tucker, of the House of Representa- 
tives, dined here to-day." — Washington's Diary. 

* Samuel AUyne Otis, of Massachusetts, Secretary of the United States 
Senate, 
f John Beckley, of Virginia, Clerk of the House of Representatives. 



1790. 



FRIDAY, JANUARY 1. 

At New York : " January 1. — The Vice-President, the 
Governor, the Senators, Members of the House of Repre- 
sentatives in Town, foreign public characters, and all the 
respectable citizens, came between the hours of 12 and 3 
o'clock, to pay the compliments of the season to me — and 
in the afternoon a great number of gentlemen and ladies 
visited M" Washington on the same occasion." — Washing- 
tori's Diary. 

^^ January 2. — Exercised in the carriage with M" Washington. . . . 
Drank tea at the Chief Justice's of the U. States. January 3. — Went to St. 
Paul's Chapel. January 4. — Informed the President of the Senate, and 
Speaker of the House of Representatives that I had some oral communica- 
tions to make to Congress when each house had a quorum, and desired to he 
informed thereof — and of the time and place they would receive them.* 
Walked round the Battery in the afternoon. January 5. — Several Members 
of Congress called in the forenoon to pay their respects on their arrival in 
town, hut though a respectable Levee, at the usual hour, three o'clock, the 
visitors were not numerous. January 6. — Sat from half after 8 o'clock till 
10 for the portrait painter, M' Savage, to finish the picture of me which he 
had begun for the University of Cambridge. In the afternoon walked 
around the Battery. Miss Anne Brown stayed here, on a visit to M" Wash- 
ington, to a family dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7. 

At New "York : " January 7. — About one o'clock rec'd a 
Committee from both Houses of Congress,t informing me 



* The second session of the first Congress commenced on the 4th of Jan- 
uary, 1790. Ten members only of the Senate having answered to their 
names, the Senate was adjourned for want of a quorum. A quorum of both 
houses appeared on the 6th. 

f Messrs. Strong and Izard, on the part of the; Senate, and Messrs. Gilman, 
Ames, and Seney, in behalf of the House of Representatives. 
166 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 167 

that each had made a house, and would be ready at any 
time I should appoint to receive the communications I had 
to make in the Senate Chamber. Named to-morrow, 11 
o'clock, for this purpose. 

" The following gentlemen dined here, viz : Messrs. 
[John] Langdon, [Paine] Wingate, [Caleb] Strong, and 
[William] Few, of the Senate, the Speaker [Frederick A. 
Muhlenberg], Gen' [Peter] Muhlenberg, and [Thomas] 
Scott, of Pennsylvania, Judge [Samuel] Livermore and 
[Abiel] Foster, of New Hampshire, [Fisher] Ames and 
[George] Thatcher and [Benjamin] Goodhue, of Massachu- 
setts, M' [Edanus] Burke, of South Carolina, and M"" 
[Abraham] Baldwin, of Georgia." — Washington's Diary. 

'■'■January 8. — According to appointment, at 11 o'clock, I set out for the 
City Hall in my coach, preceded by Colonel Humphreys and Maj' Jackson 
in uniform, (on my two white horses) and followed by Messrs. Lear and 
Nelson, in my chariot, and M'' Lewis, on horseback, following them. In 
their rear was the Chief Justice of the United States and Secretary of the 
Treasury and War Departments, in their respective carriages, and in the 
order they are named. At the outer door of the hall I was met by the door- 
keepers of the Senate and House, and conducted to the door of the Senate 
Chamber ; and passing from thence to the Chair through the Senate on the 
right, and House of Representatives on the left, I took my seat. The gen- 
tlemen who attended me followed and took their stand behind the Senators; 
the whole rising as I entered. After being seated, at which time the mem- 
bers of both Houses also sat, I rose, (as they also did) and made my speech ; 
delivering one copy to the President of the Senate, and another to the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives — after which, and being a few 
moments seated, I retired, bowing on each side to the assembly (who stood) 
as I passed, and descending to the lower hall, attended as before, I returned 
with them to my house. In the evening a great number of ladies, and 
many gentlemen visited M" Washington. On this occasion I was dressed 
in a suit of clothes made at the Woolen Manufactory at Hartford, as the 
buttons also were." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9. 

At New York : " January 9. — Exercised with M" Wash- 
ington and the children in the coach the 14 miles round.* 

* The route was by the old Kings-Bridge road, which passed over Murray 
Hill, where Lexington Avenue now does, to McGowan's Pass at about One 



168 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

In the afternoon walked round the Battery." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" January 10. — Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the forenoon — wrote private 
letters in the afternoon for the Southern mail. January 11. — Communicated 
to both Houses, transcripts of the adoption and ratification of the New Con- 
stitution by the State of North Carolina.* Jamiary 12. — About two o'clock 
a Committee of the Senate f waited on me with a copy of their address, in 
answer to my speech, and requesting to know at what time and place it 
should be presented. I named my own house, and Thursday next, at 11 
o'clock, for the purpose. Just before Levee hour, a Committee from the 
House of Kepresentatives | called upon me to know when and where they 
should deliver their address. I named 12 o'clock on Thursday. ... A 
respectable, though not a full Levee to-day."— Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, JANUARY 14. 

At New York : " January 14. — At the hours appointed, 
the Senate and House of Representatives presented their 
respective addresses — the members of both coming in car- 
riages, and the latter with the Mace preceding the Speaker. 
The address of the Senate was presented by the Vice-Presi- 
dent — and that of the House by the Speaker thereof. 

" Tlie following gentlemen dined here to-day, viz : Messrs. 
[John] Henry and [William] Maclay, of the Senate — and 
Messrs, [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, [Jonathan] Trumbull, 
[William] Floyd, [Elias] Boudinot, [Henry] Wynkoop, 
[Joshua] Seney, [John] Page, [Richard Bland] Lee, and 
[George] Mathews, of the House of Representatives ; and 
M'' John Trumbull." — Washington's Diary. 

" January 14. — Dined this day with the President. It was a great dinner 
— all in the taste of high life. I considered it as a part of my duty as a 
Senator to submit to it, and am glad it is over. The President is a cold, 
formal man ; but I must declare that he treated me with great attention. 
1 was the first person with whom he drank a glass of wine. I was often 

Hundred and Eighth Street ; then across on a line with the Harlem River to 
Bloomingdale, and so down on the westerly side of the island. 

* November 21, 1789. 

■)■ Messrs. King, Izard, and Paterson. 

i Messrs. Smith, of S(juth Carolina, Clymer, and Lawrence. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 169 

spoken to by him. Yet he knows how rigid a republican I am." — Journal 
of William. Maclay. 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15. 

At Kew York : " January 15. — Snowing all day — but few 
ladies and gentlemen as visitors this evening to M" Wash- 
ington." — Washington's Diary. 

'■^January 16. — Exercised in the coach with M" Washington and the two 
children, about 12 o'clock. January 17. — At home all day — not well. Jan- 
uary 18. — Still indisposed with an aching tooth, and swelled and inflamed 
gum. January 19. — Not much company at the Levee to-day — but the visi- 
tors were respectable. January 20. — A Report from the Secretary at War, 
on the subject of a National Militia, altered agreeably to the ideas I had 
communicated to him, was presented to me, in order to be laid before Con- 
gress." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21. 

At New York : ^'January 21. — The following gentlemen 
dined here, viz : Messrs. [Oliver] Ellsworth, [William] Pat- 
erson, [Jonathan] Elmer, [Richard] Bassett, and [Benja- 
min] Hawkins, of the Senate — and Messrs. [Roger] Sher- 
man, [Lambert] Cadwalader, [George] Clymer, [Thomas] 
Hartley, [Daniel] Heister, [William] Smith, (Maryland) 
and [James] Jackson, of the House of Representatives — 
and Major [Samuel] Meredith, Treasurer of the United 
States." — Washington's Diary. 

'• January 22. — Exercised on horseback in the forenoon. Called in my 
ride on the Baron de Polnitz, to see the operation of his (Winlaw's) thresh- 
ing machine.* . . . Many and respectable visitors to M" Washington this 
evening. January 23. — Went with M" Washington in the forenoon to see 
the Paintings of M"' Jn° Trumbull. January 24. — Went to St. Paul's 
Chapel in the forenoon. Writing private letters in the afternoon. January 

* The Baron de Poellnitz had a small farm in the vicinity of Murray Hill, 
where he ti-ied experiments in agriculture. He wrote a pamphlet on the 
subject, and also suggested to Washington the propriety of establishing a 
farm under the patronage of the government. The baron was the inventor 
of various agricultural machines and implements, particularly u threshing 
machine and the horse-hoe. 



170 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

25. — A M' Francis Bailey [printer of Philadelphia], introduced by Messrs. 
Scott and Hartley, of Pennsylvania, and M"' "White, of Virginia, offered a 
paper, in the nature of a Petition, setting forth a valuable discovery he had 
made of marginal figures for notes, certificates &c. which could not by the 
ingenuity of man be counterfeited. January 2f5. — Exercised on horseback in 
the forenoon. The visitors at the Levee to-day were numerous and respect- 
able — among whom was the Vice-President and the Speaker of the House 
of Representatives. January 27. — Did business with the Secretaries of the 
Treasury and War." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28. 

At New York : " January 28. — The following gentlemen 
dined here, viz : the Vice-President, the Secretary of the 
Treasury — Messrs. [Philip] Schuyler, [Robert] Morris, 
[Ralph] Izard, [Tristram] Dalton and [Pierce] Butler, of 
the Senate; and Messrs. [William] Smith, (South Carolina,) 
[Michael] Stone, [James] Schureman, [Thomas] Fitzsim- 
mons, [Theodore] Sedgwick, [Daniel] Huger, and [James] 
Madison of the House of Representatives." — Washington'' s 
Diary. 

" January 29. — Exercised on horseback this forenoon ; during my ride, 
M' [Samuel] Johnston, one of the Senators from North Carolina, who had 
just arrived, came to pay his respects, as did M' Gushing, one of the Associate 
Judges — the latter came again about 3 o'clock, introduced by the Vice- 
President. . . . The visitors to M" Washington this evening were numerous 
and respectable. January 30. — Exercised with M" Washington and flie 
children in the coach in tjie forenoon. Walked round the Battery in the 
afternoon. January 31. — Went to St. Pauls Chapel in the forenoon. M' 
Wilson one of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court, paid his respects 
to me after I returned from church. Spent the afternoon in writing letters 
to Mount Vernon." — Washington'' s Diai^. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1. 

At New York: '■'■February 1. — Agreed on Saturday last 
to take M' McComb's house,* lately occupied by the Minis- 

* The Macomb house was situated on the west side of Broadway, a little 
below Trinity Church; it was subsequently occupied as a hotel, and was 
called The Mansion House. The President moved to this house on the 23d 
of February. 



i 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 171 

ter of France, for one year from and after the first day of 
May next." — Washington's Diary. 

'■'■February 2. — Exercised in the carriage with M" "Washington. On my 
return found M' Blair, one of the Associate Judges, the Attorney-General 
of the United States [Edmund Kandolph], and CoI» Bland here. The 
Levee to-day was much crowded, and very respectable ; among other com- 
pany, the District Judge and Attorney, with the Marshall and all the Grand 
Jurors of the Federal District Court, (and a respectalde body they were) 
attended. February 3. — Visited the apartments in the house of M"' McComb's 
— made a disposition of the rooms — fixed on some furniture of the Minister's 
(which was to be sold, and was well adapted to particular public rooms) — 
and directed additional stables to be built." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4. 

At New York : " February 4. — The following company 
dined here, viz : The Vice-President, the Chief Justice of 
the United States [John Jay], Judges [William] Gushing, 
[James] Wilson, and [John] Blair, of the Supreme Court; 
the Attorney-General of the United States (Randolph) ; the 
Marshall, Attorney, and Clerk of the District, viz : Smith, 
Harrison, and Troup ; M'' [Samuel] Johnston and M' [Ben- 
jamin] Hawkins, of the Senate, and the Secretaries of the 
Treasury and War Departments, to wit: — Hamilton and 
Knox." — Washington's Diary. 

" February 5. — Received from Docf [Hugh] Williamson, of North Caro- 
lina, a list of names whom he thought would be proper to fill the Revenue 
offices in that State. Submitted the same to the Senators of that State foi 
their inspection and alteration. February 6. — Walked to my newly engaged 
lodgings to fix on a spot for a new stable which I was about to build- 
Agreed with to erect one 30 feet square, 16 feet pitch, to contain 12 

single stalls ; a hay loft, racks, mangers, «&c ; planked floor, and under- 
pinned with stone, with windows between each stall, for £65. Febivxary 7. 
— Went to St. Paul's in the forenoon. February 8.— Nominated officers for 
the Revenue department in North Carolina. M"' [James] Iredell as an 
Associate Judge ; • • ■ likewise Major Samuel Shaw, as Consul for Canton, 
in China. February 9. — A good deal of company at the Levee to-day. 
Exercised on horseback in the forenoon. February 10. — Sat from 9 until 11 
o'clock for M' Trumbull to draw my picture in his historical pieces [the 
battles of Trenton and Princeton]." — Washington's Diary. 



172 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

THUKSDAY, FEBKUARY 11. 

At New York : " February 11. — Exercised on horseback 
in the forenoon. The following gentlemen dined here, 
viz: Messrs. [George] Leonard and Groal [? Grout], of 
Massachusetts; [Benjamin] Huntington and [Jonathan] 
Sturges, of Connecticut ; [Peter] Silvester, of New York ; 
[Thomas] Sinnickson, of New Jersey ; [George] Gale, of 
Maryland; and [Theodoric] Bland, [Josiah] Parker and 
[Andrew] Moore, of Virginia." — Washington's Diary. 

''■February 12. — Sat from 9 o'clock until 11, for M' John Trumbull, for 
the purpose of drawing my picture. A good deal of company (gentlemen 
and ladies) to visit M" Washington this afternoon. February 13. — Walked 
in the forenoon to the house to which I am about to remove. Gave direc- 
tions for the arrangement of the furniture, &c. and had some of it put up. 
February 14. — At home all day — writing private letters to Virginia. Feb- 
ruary 15. — Sat between 9 and 11, for M' John Trumbull. February 1(3. 
— Intended to have used exercise on horseback, but the weather pre- 
vented my doing it. Rid to my intended habitation, and gave some direc- 
tions respecting the arrangement of the furniture. The Levee to-day was 
thin. Received some papers from the Secretary at War respecting a corre- 
spondence to be opened between Col" Hawkins, of the Senate, and M'' Mc- 
Gillivray,* of the Creek Nation, for the purpose of getting the latter, with 
some other chiefs of that nation to this place, as an expedient to avert a war 
with them." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18. 

At New York: ''February 18.— Sat for M' Trumbull 
from 9 o'clock till 10 ; after which exercised in the post- 
chaise with M" Washington. On our return home called 
on M" Adams, lady of the Vice-President. The following 
company dined here to-day, viz : — Judge Gushing and his 
lady; the Postmaster General [Samuel Osgood] and his 

* Alexander McGillivray was the son of a Scottish trader of that name, 
who married the daughter of the principal chief of the Creek nation, whose 
domain originally included the whole of Florida and a greater portion of 
Alabama and Georgia. He received a liberal education at Charleston, and 
was also placed for a time in a business house at Savannah. McGillivray 
was finally chosen by the Creeks for their principal sachem or king. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 173 

lady, and Messrs. [Elias] Boudinot, [Samuel] Griffin, [Isaac] 

Coles, [Elbridge] Gerry, and [Alexander] White, and their » 

ladies." — Washington's Diary. 

" February 19. — Exercised on horseback about 9 o'clock. Walked after- 
wards to my new house. Received a Cap' Drew, Com'^ of a British sloop of 
war, sent express to Sir John Temple, Consul-General of that nation in the 
United States. The visitors this evening to M" Washington were numerous 
and respectable. February 20. — Sat from 9 until 11, for M' Trumbuii. 
Walked afterwards to my new house — then rode a few miles with M" 
Washington and the children before dinner; after which I again visited my 
new house in my coach (because it rained). February 21. — Went to St. 
Paul's Chapel in the forenoon — wrote letters respecting my domestic con- 
cerns afterwards. February 22. — Set seriously about removing my furniture 
to my new house. Two of the gentlemen of the family had their beds taken 
there, and would sleep there to-night." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, FEBEUARY 23. 

At New York : " February 23. — Few or no visitors at the 
Levee to-day, from the idea of my being on the move. 
After dinner, M" Washington, myself, and children re- 
moved, and lodged at our new habitation." — Washington's 

Diary. V: ,; . , ,.^.J^.^ \4 t\\A.5L, -, 'C-»-^ \0U.T3a^ VUlCU^^ 

" February 24. — Employed in arranging matters about the house and fix- 
ing matters. February 25. — Engaged as yesterday. In the afternoon a 
Committee of Congress presented an Act for enumerating the inhabitants of 
the United States. February 26. — A numerous company of gentlemen and 
ladies were here this afternoon. Exercised on horseback this forenoon. 
February 27. — Sat for M'' Trumbull this forenoon; after which exercised in 
the coach with M" Washington and the children. February 28. — Went to 
St. Paul's Chapel in the forenoon. Wrote letters on private business after- 
wards." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, MARCH 1. 

At New York : " March 1. — Exercised on horseback this 
forenoon, attended by M"" John Trumbull, who wanted to 
see me mounted. 

" Informed the House of Representatives (where the Bill 



174 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

originated) that I had given my assent to the act for taking 
a Census of the People," * — Washington's Diary. 

" March 2. — Much and respectable company was at the Levee to-day. 
March Z. — Exercised on horseback between 9 and 11 o'clock. " — Washing' 
ton's Diary. 

THURSDAY, MAECH 4. 

At New York : " March 4. — Sat from 9 until half after 
10 o'clock for M' Trumbull. The following gentlemen 
dined here to-day, viz : — the Vice-President, Messrs. [John] 
Langdon, [Paine] Wingate, [Tristram] Dalton, [Caleb] 
Strong, [Oliver] Ellsworth, [Philip] Schuyler, [Rufus] 
King, [William] Paterson, [liobert] Morris, [William] 
McClay, [Richard] Bassett, [John] Henry, [Samuel] John- 
ston, [Benjamin] Hawkins, [Ralph] Izard, [Pierce] Butler, 
and [William] Few, all of the Senate." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" March 4. — Dined with the President of the United States. It was a 
dinner of dignitj^ All the Senators were present and the Vice-President. 
I looked often around the company to find the happiest faces. Wisdom, 
forgive me if I wrong thee, but I thought folly and happiness most nearly 
allied. The President seemed to bear in his countenance a settled aspect of 
melancholy. No cheering ray of convivial sunshine broke through the 
cloudy gloom of settled seriousness. At every interval of eating or drinking 
he played on the table with a fork or knife, like a drumstick." — Journal of 
William Maclay. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 5. 

At New York : " March 5. — A very numerous company 
of ladies and gentlemen here this evening." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'■^ March Q. — Exercised in the coach with M" "Washington and the chil- 
dren, and in the afternoon walked round the Battery. March 7. — At home 
all day — writing letters on private business. March 9 — A good many gen- 

* The census directed to be made by the Act of Congress of March 1, 1790, 
made the population of the United States to consist of 3,929,326 persons; 
this included 697,697 slaves. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 175 

tlemen attended the Levee to-day — among whom were many members of 
Congress. March 10. — Exercised on horseback between 9 and 11 o'clock. 
On my return had a long conversation with Col° "Willet, who was engaged 
to go as a private agent, but for public purposes to M' McGillivray, princi- 
pal chief of the Creek Nation." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, MAKCH 11. 

At New York : " March 11. — The following gentlemen 
dined here to-da}', viz : — M' [George] Read, of the Senate, 
the Speaker, and the following gentlemen of the House of 
Representatives, viz : — Messrs. [Nicholas] Oilman, [Benja- 
min] Goodhue, [Fisher] Aimes, [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, 
[Jonathan] Trumbull, [Egbert] Benson, [John] Lawrence, 
Peter Muhlenberg, [Henry] Wynkoop, [John] Vining, 
[Daniel] Carroll, [Benjamin] Contee, [James] Madison, 
[John] Page, and [Thomas] Sumpter — also Judge [Gun- 
ning] Bedford and M' John Trumbull." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" March 12. — Exercised in the Post chaise with M" Washington from 10 
o'clock till near 12, Signed the Passport which was to be committed to 
Col° Willet for M' Gillivray and other Chiefs of the Creek Nation of Indians, 
and other papers necessary for his setting out on this business.* A Pretty 
numerous company of visiters this evening to M" Washington's Levee. 
March 13. — Exercised about 11 o'clock with M" Washington & the Chil- 
dren, in the coach. March 14. — Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the forenoon 
— wrote letters on private business afterwards. March 15. — Keceived an 
Address from the Koman Catholics of the United States, presented by M"" 
[Charles] Carroll of the Senate, M' [Daniel] Carroll & M' [Thomas] Fitz- 
simmons of the House of Representatives and many others, Inhabitants of 
the City of New York. . . . And M' Few, Senator from the State of 
Georgia, presented me with the copy of an Address from that State requiring 
to know, when it would be convenient for me to receive it in form. March 
16. — Exercised on horseback between 10 & 12 o'clock : previous to this, I 
was visited (having given permisn.) by a Mr. Warner Miflin, one of the 
People called Quakers ; active in pursuit of the Measures laid before Con- 

* Colonel Marinus Willett acquitted himself so well of the duty assigned 
him that the chiefs of the Creek nation, with McGillivray at their head, were 
induced to repair to New York. Negotiations were immediately entered 
upon, which terminated in a treaty of peace, signed on the 7th of August 
and formally ratified on the 13th. 



176 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

gress for emancipating the Slaves.* . . . The day being bad, not many 
visiters attended the Levee. At it Mr. Smith of South Carolina, presented 
the copy of an Address from the Intendant and of the City of Charles- 
ton, and was told that I would receive it in form on Thursday at 11 o'clock. 
March 17. — Gave Mr. Few notice that I would receive the address of the 
Legislature of Georgia to morrow at half after ten o'clock." — Washington's 
Diary. 

THUKSDAY, MARCH 18. 

At New York : '' March 18. — At half past 10 I received 
the address of the Legislature of Georgia — presented by 
M' Few the Senator & the 3 Representatives of the State in 
Congress [Abraham Baldwin, James Jackson, and George 
Matthews]. At 11 o'clock the address from the Intendant 
and Wardens of the City of Charleston was presented by 
M' Smith. 

" The following Gentlemen dined here, viz : — Messrs. 
[Samuel] Livermore, [Abiel] Foster, [George] Partridge, 
[George] Thatcher, [Roger] Sherman, [Thomas] Fitzsim- 
mons, [Thomas] Hartley, [Joshua] Seney, [Richard H.] 
See, [Edanus] Burke, [Thomas T.] Tucker, [Abraham] 
Baldwin, [James] Jackson & [George] Mathews of the 
Representatives in Congress — and M' Otis, Secretary of the 
Senate, and M"" Beckley, Clerk of the House of Representa- 
tives. 

" In the Evening (about 8 o'clock) I went with M" Wash- 
ington to the assembly where there were betwn, 60 & 70 
Ladies & many Gentlemen." — Washington's Diary. 

" March 19. — Exercised on Horseback betwn. 9 and 11 o'clock. March 
20. — Exercised in the Coach with M" "Washington and the Children. 

* On February 12 a petition from the Yearly Meeting of Quakers for 
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the western parts of Maryland 
and Virginia, seconded by another from New York, was presented to Con- 
gress, praying for the abolition of the slave-trade. Another was presented 
the next day from the Pennsylvania Society for promoting the Abolition 
of Slavery, signed by Dr. Franklin as president, on the same subject. These 
petitions and proceedings thereon produced much agitation in Congress and 
thri.ughoul the country during the spring of 1790. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 177 

March 21. — Went to St, Paul's Chappel in the forenoon — wrote private 
letters in the afternoon. Keceived M"' Jefferson, Minister of State about one 
o'clock.* March 22. — Sat for M' Trumbull for my Picture in his Historical 
pieces — after which conversed for more than an hour with M' Jefferson on 
business relative to the duties of his office. March 23. — A full & very- 
respectable Levee to day. March 24. — Prevented from Riding by the 
unfavourableness of the weather." — Washington's Diary. 

THUESDAT, MARCH 25. 

At New York : " March 25. — Went in the forenoon to 
the Consecration of Trinity Church, when a Pew was con- 
structed, and set apart for the President of the United Sts.f 

" The following Company dined here to day, viz : — The 
Chief Justice Jay & his Lady, Genl. Schuyler & his Lady, 
the Secretary of the Treasury and his Lady, the Secretary 
of War & his Lady & M" Greene, the Secretary of State 
(M' Jefferson) M' [Charles] Carroll & M' [John] Henry of 
Senate, Judge [James] Wilson, Messrs. [James] Madison 
& [John] Page of the Ho. of Representatives, and CoP 
[William Stephens] Smith Marshall of the District." — 
Washington's Diary. 

'■^ March 26. — The company this evening was thin, especially of Ladies. 
March 27. — Exercised in the coach with M" Washington and the children. 
March 28. — Went to St. Paul's Chapel in the forenoon. March 29. — Exer- 
cised on Horseback in the forenoon — and called at Col" [Anthony] Walton 
White's. March 30. — Exercised in the Post Chaise with M" Washington. 
The Company at the Levee to day was numerous & respectable. March 
31. — Exercised on Horseback. "-r-IFas/iin^'ion's Diary. 

* Thomas Jefferson had been called to Washington's cabinet as Secretary 
of State on his return from France, where he had resided as minister for 
some time. After a tedious journey of a fortnight from Monticello, Mr. 
Jefferson reached New York on the 21st of March. 

I The original building of Trinity Church, the first Episcopal church 
organized in the province of New York, was erected in 1696 and enlarged 
in 1737. It was destroyed in the great fire of September 21, 1776, and the 
building consecrated this day was erected in 1 788 on the same site, Broad- 
way, opposite Wall Street. During the exercises, Washington and his 
family were seated in the richly ornamented pew, with a canopy over it, 
set apart by the wardens and vestrymen for the President of the United 
States. 

12 



178 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

THUKSDAY, APRIL 1. 

At New York : " April 1. — The following Company dined 
here to day, viz : — Governor Clinton, [Pierre Van Cort- 
landt] the Speaker of the Senate & [Gulian Verplanck of 
the] House of Representatives of the State of New York, 
Judge Duane, Baron de Steuben and M'' Arthur Lee. M' 
[Rufus] King of the Senate, and the following members of 
the House of Representatives — M' [George] Leonard, M" 
[Theodore] Sedgwick, M' [Jonathan] Grout, M"" [Jeremiah] 
Van Rensalaer, M"" [John] Hathorne, M"' [George] Clymer, 
M' [Daniel] Heister, M' [Michael] Stone, M' [Hugh] Wil- 
liamson, M' [John B.] Ash, and M' [Daniel] Huger." — 
Washington'' s Diary. 

^^ April 2. — But a thin company this Evening, on aect. of the badness of 
the weather, & its being good friday. April 3. — Exercised in the Coach 
with M" Washington and the Children. April 4. — At home all day — un- 
well. Ajiril 5. — Exercised with M"'^ Washington in the Post Chaise. April 
6. — Sat for M'' Savage, at the request of the Vice President, to have my 
Portrait drawn for him.* The Company at the Levee to day was thin, — 
the day was bad. April 7. — Exercised with M™ Washington in the Post- 
Chaise." — Washington's Diary. 

THUESDAY, APEIL 8. 

At New York : " April 8. — The following Company dined 
here, viz : — of the House of Representatives — M"" [Elbridge] 
Gerry, M' [Benjamin] Huntington, M"" [Lambert] Cadwal- 
ader, M"^ [Elias] Boudinot, M"" [Thomas] Sinnickson, M' 
[Thomas] Scott, M' [George] Gale, M' [Josiah] Parker, M^ 
[Andrew] Moore, & M' [John] Browne, of the Treasury 
Department, the Comptroller (M' [Nicholas] Eveleigh), the 
Auditor (M' [Oliver] Wolcot) & the Register M"" [Joseph] 
Nourse — and of the Commissioners of Accts. Genl. [Wil- 
liam] Irvine, and M"" [John] Kean — together with M' 
[Christopher] Gore, attorney for the District of Massachu- 
setts." — Washington's Diary. 

* This portrait is now owned by Henry Adams, a great-grandson of John 
Adams. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 179 

" ApTil 9. — Exercised on Horseback in the forenoon. The company who 
visited M" Washington this afternoon was very numerous both of Gentle- 
men & Ladies. April 10 — Exercised in the Coach with M" Washington 
and the Children — walked in the afternoon around the Battery and through 
some of the principal Streets of the City. In the afternoon the Secretary 
of State submitted for my approbation Letters of credence for M' [William] 
Short as Charge de Affaires, at the Court of Versailles. April 11. — Went to 
Trinity Church in the forenoon — and [wrote] several private letters in the 
afternoon. April 12. — Exercised on Horseback after which did business with 
the Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments. April 13. — Exercised 
on Horseback about 10 o'clock. A good deal of Company at the Levee to 
day. April 14. — Exercised in the Post Chaise with M" Washington." — 
Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 15. 

At New York : " April 15. — The Vice President & Lady, 
the Chief Justice of the United States & Lady, M' [Ealph] 
Izard & Lady, M' [Tristram] Dalton & Lady, Bishop [Sam- 
uel] Provost & Lady, Judge [Cyrus] Griffin & Lady Chris- 
tina, Col" [Samuel] Griffin"& Lady, Col" [William S.] Smith 
& Lady, the Secretary of State, M' [John] Langdon, M' 
[Rufus] King & Major [Pierce] Butler. M""' King was 
invited but was indisposed." — Washington'' s Diary. 

^^ April 16. — Had a long conference with the Secretary of State on the 
subject of Diplomatic appointments & on the proper places & characters for 
Consuls or Vice Consuls. After which I exercised on Horseback. The 
Visiters of Gentlemen and Ladies to M" Washington this evening were very 
numerous. April 17. — Exercised in the coach with M" Washington and 
the children. April 18. — At home all day — the weather being very stormy 
& bad, wrote private letters. April 19. — Prevented from beginning my tour 
upon Long Island to day from the wet of yesterday and the unfavourable- 
ness of the morning." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 20. 

At Long Island : " April 20. — About 8 o'clock (having 
previously sent over my Servants, Horses, and Carriage) I 
crossed to Brooklyn and proceeded to Flat Bush — thence 
to Utrich [New Utrecht] — thence to Gravesend — thence 

through Jamaica where we lodged at a Tavern kept 

by one Warne — a pretty good and decent house, — at the 



180 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

house of a M"' Barre, at Utrich, we dined, — the man was 
obliging but little else to recommend it. . . . From Brook- 
lyn to Flatbush is called 5 miles, thence to Utrich 6 — to 
Gravesend 2 — and from thence to Jamaica 14 — in all this 
day 27 miles." — Washington's Diary. 

'■'■April 21. — The morning being clear & pleasant we left Jamaica about 
eight o'clock, & pursued the Road to South Hempstead, passing along the 
South edge of the plain of that name. . . . We baited in South Hemp- 
stead, (10 miles from Jamaica) at the House of one Simmonds, formerly a 
Tavern, now of private entertainment for money. — From thence turning 
off to the right, we fell into the South Rd. at the distance of about five 
miles where we came in view of the Sea. . . . We dined at one Ketchum's. 
. . . After dinner we proceeded to a Squire Thompson's. April 22. — About 
8 o'clock we left M'' Thompson's — halted awhile at one Greens distant 11 
miles and dined [at] Harts Tavern in Brookhaven township, Ave miles 
farther. . . . From Hart's we struck across the Island for the No. side 
passing the East end of the Brushey Plains — and Koram [Corum] 8 miles — 
thence to Setakit 7 miles more to the House of a Capt. Roe, which is toler- 
ably dect. with obliging people in it. April 23. — About 8 o'clock we left 
Roe's, and baited the Horses at Smiths Town at a Widow Blidenberg's a 
decent House 10 miles from Setalkat — thence 15 miles to Huntington where 
we dined — and afterwards proceeded seven miles to Oyster-Bay, to the House 
of a M' Young (private and very neat and decent) where we lodged. The 
house we dined at in Huntingdon was kept by a Widow Piatt, and was 
tolerably good. April 24. — Left M^ Young's before 6 o'clock and passing 
Musqueto [now Glen] Cove, breakfasted at a M"' Underdunck's [Henry On- 
derdonk] at the head of a little bay ; where we were kindly received and 
well entertained. — This Gentleman works a Grist & two Paper Mills, the 
last of which he seems to carry on with spirit, and to profit — distc. from 
Oyster-bay 12 miles. — From hence to Flushing where we dined is 12 more — 
& from thence to Brooklyne through Newton (the way we travelled and 
which is a mile further than to pass through Jamaica) is 18 miles more. . . . 
Before sundown we had crossed the Ferry and was at home." — Washington's 
Diary. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 25. 

At New York : " April 25. — Went to Trinity Church, 
and wrote letters home after dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

" April 26. — Appointed a quarter before three to-morrow to receive from 
the Senators of the State of Virgna. an address from the Legislature thereof. 
April 27.— At the time appointed, Messrs. [Richard Henry] Lee & [John] 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 181 

Walker (the Senators from Virginia) attended, & presented the Address as 
mentioned yesterday & and received an answer to it. A good deal of respect- 
able company was at the Levee to day." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, APRIL 29. 

At New York: '■'•April 29. — The following Gentlemen 
dined here, viz : — of the Senate, Messrs. [Caleb] Strong, 
Doctr. [William S.] Johnson, M"^ [William] Paterson, M' 
[Robert] Morris, M"" [Charles] Carroll, M' [Richard Henry] 
Lee, M'^ [John] Walker, Govr. [Samuel] Johnston & M' 
[James] Gunn — and of the House of Representatives, M' 
[Jonathan] Sturges, M" [Egbert] Benson, M' [William] 
Floyd, M"^ [James] Schureman, M"^ [John] Vining, M"" 
[William] Smith, Maryland, M' [Theodoric] Bland, and 
M^ [Thomas] Sumpter." — Washington'' s Diary. 

^^ April 30. — The Visitors to M" Washington this evening were not nu- 
merous. May 1. — Exercised in the Coach with M" Washington & the 
children in the forenoon — & on foot in the afternoon. May 2. — Went to 
Trinity Church in the forenoon — writing letters on private business in the 
afternoon. May 3. — Exercised on Horseback about 9 o'clock. May 4.— 
Exercised in the forenoon on Horseback. A respectable Company at the 
Levee to-day. " — Washington'' s Diary. 

THURSDAY, MAY 6. 

At New York : " May 6. — Exercised on horseback in the 
forenoon. — The following, out of several others who were 
invited, but prevented by sickness, dined here, viz : — M"' 
[Paine] Wingate, M' [William] Maclay, M'' [John] Walker 
(of the Senate) and Messrs. [Nicholas] Gilman, [Fisher] 
Aimes, Genl. Muhlenberg, [Henry] Wynkoop, [John] Page 
and Lady, [William] Smith So. Carolina & Lady, and M' 
[Alexander] White & his Lady of the House of Represent- 
atives." — Washington'' s Diary. 

" May 6. — Went to dine with the President agreeably to invitation. He 
seemed in more good humor than I ever saw him, though he was so deaf 
that I believe he heard little of the conversation. We had ladies, Mrs. 
Smith, Mrs. Page and Mrs. White. Their husbands all with them," — 
Journal of William Maclay. 



182 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

FKIDAY, MAY 7. 

At New York : " May 7. — Exercised in the forenoon, 
. . . Much Company — Gentlemen & Ladies — visited M" 
"Washington this Evening." — Washington's Diary. 

'■^ May 8. — Exercised in the Coach with M" Washington & the Children 
in the forenoon. May 9. — Indisposed with a bad cold, and at home all day 
■writing letters on private business." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, MAY 10. 

At liTew York : " May 10. — A severe ilhiess with which 
I was siezed the 10th of this month and which left me in 
a convalescent state for several weeks after the violence of 
it had passed; & little inclination to do more than what 
duty to the public required at my hands occasioned the 
suspension of this Diary." — Washington's Diary. 

Incessant application to business made severe inroads upon Washington's 
health, and on the 10th of May he was seized with a " severe illness," as he 
records in the Diary, which reduced him to the verge of dissolution. He 
was confined to his chamber for several weeks. His chief difficulty was 
inflammation of the lungs, and he suffered from general debility until the 
close of the session of Congress in August. 

SATURDAY, MAY 15. 

At New York : " May 15. — Called to see the President. 
Every eye full of tears. His life despaired of. Dr. Mac 
Knight told me he would trifle neither with his own char- 
acter nor the public expectation ; his danger was imminent, 
and every reason to expect that the event of his disorder 
would be unfortunate." — Journal of William Maclay. 

" May 22. — The President has been exceedingly unwell ; had the fears of 
those acquainted with his situation been verified, the consequences would 
have been alarming." — Oliver Wolcoti to Oliver Wolcott, Sen. 

MONDAY, MAY 24. | 

At New York : " New York, May 26.— The President of 
the United States is so far recovered that he rode out in his 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 183 

carriage on Monday last [May 24]." — Pmiisykania Packet^ 
May 29. 

" May 25. — By late accounts from New York, we are informed that the 
President of the United States has been exceedingly indisposed, but we 
rejoice at the authentic information of his being much relieved." — New 
Brunswick Gazette. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 1. 

At New York : " New York, June 2. — We have the 
pleasure to felicitate the public, that the President of the 
United States has so far recovered his health, that he yes- 
terday saw company at his house, and received the con- 
gratulations of many respectable characters on the occasion." 
— Pennsylvania Packet., June 7. 

THUKSDAY, JUNE 3. 

At i^ew York : " I have a few days since had a severe 
attack of the peripneumony kind ; but am now recovered, 
except in point of strength. My physicians advise me to 
more exercise and less application to business." — Washing- 
ton to the Marquis de Lafayette. 

MONDAY, JUNE 7. 

Leaves New York : " New York, June 6. — To-morrow I 
go on a sailing party of three or four days with the Presi- 
dent. . . . The President is perfectly reestablished, and 
looks better than before his illness." — Tliomas Jefferson to 
William Short. 

" New York, June 10.— Yesterday afternoon the PRESIDENT of the 
United States returned from Sandy Hook and the fishing banks, where 
he had been for the benefit of the sea air, and to amuse himself in the de- 
lightful recreation of fishing. We are told he has had excellent sport, 
having himself caught a great number of sea-bass and black fish — the 
weather proved remarkably fine, which, together with the salubrity of the 
air and wholesome exercise, rendered this little voyage extremely agreeable, 
and cannot fail, we hope, of being very serviceable to a speedy and complete 
restoration of his health." — Pennsylvania Packet, June 12. 



184 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

THUKSDAY, JUNE 24. 

At IS'ew York : " June 24. — Exercised on horseback 
betwn. 5 & 7 o'clock, A.M. Entertained the following 
Gentlemen at Dinner, viz : — Messrs. [Elbridge] Gerry, 
[Benjamin] Goodhue, [Jonathan] Grout, [George] Leonard, 
[Benjamin] Huntington, [Egbert] Benson, [Elias] Boudinot, 
[Lambert] Cadwalader, [Thomas] Sinnickson, [Daniel] 
Heister, [Thomas] Scott, [Benjamin] Contee, [Michael] 
Stone, [John] Browne, and Morse [?] of the House of 
Representatives." — Washington's Diary. 

" June 25. — Constant & heavy Kain all day, prevented Company from 
visiting M" Washington this afternoon & all kinds of Exercise. June 26. — 
Exercised in the Coach with M" "Washington & the Children & by walking 
in the afternoon. June 27. — Went to Trinity Church in the forenoon — and 
employed myself in writing business [letters] in the afternoon. June 28. — 
Exercised between 5 & 7 o'clock in the morning & drank Tea with M" Clin- 
ton (the Governors Lady) in the afternoon. June 29. — Exercised between 5 
& 7 o'clock in the morning on horseback. A good deal of Company, 
amongst which several strangers and some foreigners at the Levee to day." 
— Washinffto7i' s Dia7y. 

THUKSDAT, JULY 1. 

At New York : " July 1. — Exercised between 5 and 7 
o'clock on Horseback. . . . The following Gentn. & Ladies 
dined here, to day, viz : — The Secretary of State, Secretary 
of the Treasury, and Secretary at War & their Ladies — 
M' [Tristram] Dalton & M' [Rufus] King & their Ladies, 
M' [Pierce] Butler & his two daughters — M'' [Benjamin] 
Hawkins, M"^ [Joseph] Stanton, & M' [Theodore] Foster, & 
M' [Ralph] Izard. — The Chief Justice & his Lady, Genl. 
Schuyler & M" Izard were also invited but were otherwise 
engaged." — Washington's Diary. 

^'■Julyl. — Exercised between 5 «& 7 on horseback. . . . Much company 
of both Sexes to visit M" Washington this evening. July 3. — Exercised be- 
tween 9 and 11 in the Coach with M" Washington and the Children. July 
4. — Went to Trinity Church in the forenoon. This day [Sunday] being the 
Anniversary of The declaration of Independency the celebration of it was 
put of until to morrow." — Washington's Diary. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 185 

MONDAY, JULY 5. 

At ]!Tew York : " Juli/ 5. — The members of the Senate, 
House of Representatives, Public Officers, Foreign Char- 
acters &c. The Members of the Cincinnati, Officers of the 
Militia, &c. came with the compliments of the day to me — 
about one o'clock a sensible Oration was delivered in St. 
Paul's Chapel by M' Brockholst Livingston, on the occasion 
of the day. ... In the afternoon many Gentlemen & ladies 
visited M" Washington. I was informed this day by Gen- 
eral Irvine (who reed, the acct. from Pittsburgh) that the 
Traitor Arnold was at Detroit & had viewed the Militia in 
the Neighbourhood of it twice." — Washington's Diarij. 

^^ July 5. — All the town was in arms ; grenadiers, light infantry, and artil- 
lery passed the Hall, and the firing of cannon and small-arms, with beating 
of drums, kept all in uproar. The motion [for the Senate to adjourn] was 
carried, and now all of us repaired to the President's. We got some wine, 
punch, and cakes. From hence we went to St. Paul's, and heard the anni- 
versary of independence pronounced by a Mr. B. Livingston. The church 
was crowded. I could not hear him well. Some said it was fine. I could 
not contradict them. I was in the pew next to General Washington. Part 
of his family and Senators filled the seats with us." — Journal of William 
Maclay. 

TUESDAY, JULY 6. 

At ]N^ew York : " July 6. — Exercised on Horseback betwil. 
5 & 7 o'clock in the morning, — at 9 o'clock I sat for M' 
Trumbull to finish my pictures in some of his historical 
pieces. Announced to the House of Representatives (where 
the Bills originated) my Assent to the Acts which were 
presented to me on Friday last. — One of which Authorizes 
the President to purchase the whole, or such part of that 
tract of Land situate in the State of INTew York, commonly 
called West-point as shall be by him judged requisite for 
the purpose of such fortifications & Garrisons as may be 
necessary for the defence of the same. 

" The visitors were few to day, on acct. of the numbers 
that paid their compliments yesterday. July 7. — Exercised 



186 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

between 5 & 7 this morning on Horseback." — Washington's 
Diary. 

THURSDAY, JULY 8. 

At New York : " July 8.— Sat from 9 o'clock till after 10 
for M' John Trumbull who was drawing a Portrait of me 
at full length which he intended to present to M" "Washing- 
ton.* . . . 

" The following Gentlemen dined here to day — viz — 
Messrs. [Paine] Wingate, [Caleb] Strong, [William] Ma- 
clay, [Richard Henry] Lee, & [Samuel] Johnston (No. 
Carolina) of the Senate — and Messrs. [Nicholas] Oilman, 
[Fisher] Aimes, [Jonathan] Sturges, [James] Schureman, 
[Thomas] Fitzsiramons, [Henry] Wynkoop, [John] Vining, 
[William] Smith, [James] Madison, [John] Sevier, & 
[Thomas] Sumpter, of the House of Representatives.'* — 
Washington's Diary. 

" July 8. — Stayed at the Hall until four o'clock, and went to dine with 
the President. It was a great dinner, in the usual style, without any re- 
markable occurrences. Mrs. Washington was the only woman present." — 
Journal of William Maclay. 

FRIDAY, JULY 9. 

At New York : " July 9. — Exercised on Horseback be- 
tween 5 & 7 in the morning. . . . Many visitors (male & 
female) this afternoon to M" Washington." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" July 10. — Having formed a Party, consisting of the Vice-President, his 
lady. Son & Miss Smith ; the Secretaries of State, Treasury, & War, and the 
ladies of the two latter ; with all the Gentlemen of my family, Mrs. [Tobias] 

* This portrait, which represents Washington in uniform, standing by the 
side of a horse, was bequeathed by Mrs. Washington to Eliza Parke Law, 
wife of Thomas Law, and daughter of her son, John Parke Custis. The 
picture is small (twenty by thirty inches) and is exquisitely painted. It is 
now owned by Mrs. Kirby Flower Smith (Charlotte Rogei's), daughter of 
the late Edmund Law Rogers, of Baltimore, and great-granddaughter of 
Mrs. Law. This is the original from which the large painting belonging to 
the city of New York was executed. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 187 

Lear & the two Children, we visited the old position of Fort Washington 
and afterwards dined on a dinner provided by M' Mariner * at the House 
lately Col° Roger Morris, f but confiscated and in the occupation of a common 
Farmer. July 11. — At home all day — dispatching some business relative to 
my own private concerns." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, JULY 12. 

At New York : " July 12. — Exercised on Horseback be- 
tween 5 & 6 in the morning. Sat for M'' Trumbull from 9 
until half after ten. — And about IsToon had two Bills pre- 
sented to me by the joint Committee of Congress — The one 
' An Act for Establishing the Temporary & permanent Seat 
of the Government of the United States.'" — Washington's 
Diary. 

The "Act for establishing the Temporary and Permanent Seat of the 
Government of the United States" was passed bj^ Congress, July 9, 1790, 
and approved by the President July 16. It was enacted : That a district of 
territory not exceeding ten miles square, to be located on the river Potomac, 
at some space between the mouths of the Eastern Branch and Conococheague, 
be the permanent seat of the government of the United States. That the 
President be authorized to appoint three Commissioners to survey, define, 
and limit the district so defined. That prior to the first Monday in Decem- 
ber next all offices attached to the seat of government should be removed to 
and, until the first Monday in December in the year one thousand eight 
hundred, remain at the city of Philadelphia, at which place the next session 
of Congress should be held. 

TUESDAY, JULY 13. 

At New York : " July 13.— Again sat for M' Trumbull 
from 9 until half past 10 o'clock. A good deal of Company 
at the Levee to day. July 14. — Exercised on Horseback 
from 5 until near 7 o'clock." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, JULY 20. 

At New York : " New York, July 21. — Yesterday the 
Mayor [Richard Varick] waited on the President of the 

* See note to October 10, 1789. 

t The " Roger Morris House" is still standing on One Hundred and Sixty- 
first Street, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues. It was occupied by Wash- 
ington as head-quarters from September 16 to October 19, 1776. 



188 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

United States, and presented the request of the corporation 
that he would honor them with permitting Mr. Trumbull, 
to take his portrait to be placed in the City-Hall, as a mark 
of the respect the citizens of ]^ew York entertain of his 
virtues. 

" The President was pleased to express the favorable 
impressions occasioned by the application, and chearfully 
granted the request." — Pennsylvania Packet, July 23. 

This life-size portrait (seventy-two by one hundred and eight inches), still 
owned by the city of New York, is described by Mr. Trumbull in his auto- 
biography as follows : " I returned in July to New York, where I was 
requested to paint for the corporation a full-length portrait of the President. 
I represented him in full uniform, standing by a white horse, leaning his arm 
upon the saddle ; in the background, a view of Broadway in ruins, as it was 
then, the old fort at the termination ; British ships and boats leaving the shore, 
with the last of the officers and troops of the evacuating army, and Staten 
Island in the distance. . . . Every part of the detail of the dress, horse, 
furniture «&c., as well as the scenery, was accurately copied from the real 
objects." 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21. 

At New York : " New York, July 22. — Yesterday arrived 
in this city Col. Willet, accompanied by Col. M'Gillivray, 
with thirty warriors of the Creek and Siminola nations. 
They embarked at Elizabeth -town point, about ten o'clock 
in the morning, and landed on Murray's wharf about two 
P.M. where they were received by tlxe St. Tammany society, 
who attended on the occasion, attired in the most splendid 
dresses and other emblems of that respectable society." — 
Pennsylvania Packet, July 24. 

"The society was drawn up in two files, with the grand sachem at the 
head, who welcomed Colonel M'Gillivray ashore ; who, with the warriors 
marched in the centre of the society, which proceeded through "SVall-street. 
"When they came opposite the Federal Hall, Col. MGillivray, and the 
warriors saluted the Congress, who were in the front of the balcony, and 
returned the compliment — The procession moved on to the Secretary at 
"War's [in the lower part of Broadway], where the several warriors smoked 
the calumet of peace, and next proceeded to the President's, where they 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 189 

were particularly introduced — after -which they waited on Governor Clinton, 
still accompanied by the society, who afterwards attended them to the city 
tavern, where they took up their lodgings during their residence in this city." 
— Idem. 

TUESDAY, JULY 27. 

At New York : " New York, July 30. — Tuesday last [July 
27], the legion of General Malcolm's Brigade, and Col. 
Bauman's Regiment of Artillery, the whole commanded by 
Col. Rutgers, were reviewed by the President of the United 
States, and Governor Clinton accompanied by the Kings 
and Warriors of the Creek nation, who lately arrived in 
this city. — The troops were compleat in uniform and arms, 
and performed a variety of firings and mauoevres with great 
precision." — Pennsylvania Packet^ August 4. 

" New York, July 30. — "We learn, that yesterday there was an entertain- 
ment given on board the ship America, Capt. Sarly, lately from Canton — 
which was honored by the company of the President of the United States, 
the Secretary of War, several other heads of departments, the Governor of 
this state — Col. M'Gillivray, with the Kings, Headman, and Warriors of the 
Creeks, and a very respectable company of oflBcers and soldiers.'' — Pennsyl- 
vania Packet, August 5. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10. 

At !N'ew York : " I have received in their due order, and 
have to acknowledge at this time my obligations for your 
three agrreeable letters, in date October 16th 1789, May 1st 
and May 31st of the present year. With the last I had also 
the pleasure to receive the key of the Bastille ; in acknowl- 
edgment of which I write to the Marquis de Lafayette by 
this conveyance.'" — Washington to Thomas Paine. 

Lafayette had intrusted to Thomas Paine for transmission to the President 
the key of the Bastille and a drawing of that prison after its destruction in 
July, 1789. In his letter, dated Paris, March 17, the Marquis said. " Give 
me leave, my dear General, to present you with a picture of the Bastille, 
just as it looked a few days after I had ordered its demolition, with the main 
key of the fortress of despotism. It is a tribute, which I owe as a son to my 
adopted father, as an aid-de-camp to my general, as a missionary of liberty to 
its patriarch." 



]90 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

The key still remains at Mount Vernon ; the drawing was sold at public 
sale at Philadelphia in April, 1891. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11. 

At New York : " Congress, after having been in session 
ever since last fall, are to adjourn in two or three days.* . . . 
One of the last acts of the executive has been the conclusion 
of a treaty of peace and friendship with the Creek nation 
of Indians, who have been considerably connected with the 
Spanish provinces, and hostile to the Georgia frontiers since 
the war with Great Britain. McGillivray and about thirty 
of the kings and head men are here." — Washington to the 
Marquis de Lafayette. 

" iVeio Fork, August 14. — Yesterday the treaty of peace and friendship 
between the United States and the Creek nation was solemnly ratified by the 
contracting parties, in Federal Hall, in the presence of a large assembly of 
citizens. — The vice-president of the United States — the great officers of state 
— his excellency the governor — and of several members of both houses of 
Congress. 

"At 12 o'clock the President of the United States, and his suite, general 
Knox, the commissioner ; the clerks of the department of the secretary at 
war; colonel M'Gillivraj^ and the kings, chiefs, and warriors of the Creek 
nation being assembled, the treaty was read by the secretary of the president 
of the United States. 

"The president then addressed colonel M'Gillivray the kings, chiefs and 
warriors. . . . The president then signed the treaty, after which he pre- 
sented a string of beads as a token of perpetual peace, and a paper of to- 
bacco to smoke in remembrance of it: Mr. M'Gillivray rose, made a short 
reply to the president, and received the tokens. This was succeeded by 
the shake of peace, every one of the Creeks passing this friendly salute with 
the president : a song of peace, performed by the Creeks, concluded this 
highly interesting, solemn and dignified transaction." — Pennsylvania Packet, 
August 18. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15. 

Leaves New York : " New York, August 26. — On Sunday 
morning, the 15th inst, the President of the United States 

* The second session of the first Congress under the new Constitution ad- 
journed on August 12, 1790. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 191 

embarked for Newport, on a visit to the state of Rhode 
Island, accompanied by Governor Clinton, Mr. Jefferson, 
Secretary of State ; the Hon. Judge Blair, Mr. Smith of 
S. Carolina, and three gentlemen of his family [Colonel 
Humphreys, Major Jackson, and Mr. Nelson]." * — Pennsyl- 
vania Packet., August 28. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17. 

At Newport, Rhode Island : " New York, August 26. — 
The President arrived at Newport at eight o'clock on 
Tuesday morning [August 17], at which time he was wel- 
comed to the state by a salute from the fort. From the 
landing place he was attended to his lodgings by the prin- 
cipal inhabitants of the town, who were severally presented 
to him. He then walked round the town, and surveyed the 
various beautiful prospects from the eminences above it. 
At four o'clock he was waited on by the most respectable 
citizens of the place, who conducted him to the Town Hall, 
where a very elegant dinner was provided, and several 
toasts drank. After dinner he took another walk, accom- 
panied by a large number of gentlemen.f 

" On Wednesday morning at nine o'clock the President 
and his company embarked for Providence." — Pennsylvania 
Packet., August 28. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18. 

At Providence, Rhode Island : " Providence, August 19. — 
Yesterday about four o'clock P.M. arrived from New York, 

* Khode Island having ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790, was 
now included in the new order of things, and the President, having already 
visited the other Eastern States, determined before leaving New York to 
make a short tour through the State which was the last to come into the 
Federal Union. 

f On this day the President received addresses from the clergy of Newport, 
from the Hebrew congregation of Newport, and from the master, wardens, 
and brethren of King David's Lodge in Newport, Pvhode Island ; all of 
which he answered. 



192 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

in the Packet Hancock, Capt. Brown, the President of the 
United States, with his suite, accompanied by his excellency 
Governor Clinton of New York; the hon. Thomas Jeifer- 
son, Esq. secretary of state ; the hon. Theodore Foster, 
Esq. one of the senators from this state ; Judge Blair ; 
Mr. Smith of South Carolina; and Mr. Gorman of New 
Hampshire, member of Congress." — Pennsylvania Packet, 
August 30. 

"A procession [civil and military] was formed agreeable to a previous 
arrangement, and the President escorted to his lodgings at Mr. Daggett's. 
On the President's landing a Federal Salute was fired, and the bells in town 
rang a joyful peal. The salute was reiterated on his arrival at Mr. Daggett's. 
The general attendance of almost every inhabitant of the town in the pro- 
cession, together with the brilliant appearance of the ladies at the windows 
and doors of the houses, evinced in the most sensible manner their pleasure 
on this happy occasion. In the evening the college edifice was splendidly 
illuminated " — Idem. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19. 

At Providence : " Providence, August 21. — On Thursday 
[August 19], in the forenoon, the President, accompanied 
by the gentlemen who came passengers with him, and 
many of the citizens, walked thro' the principal streets, to 
view the town, in the course of which they were escorted 
to the college by the students, and by Dr. [James] Manning 
introduced into the college library and museum, and after- 
wards went on board a large Indiaman on the stocks 
belonging to Messrs. Browne and Francis." — Pennsylvania 
Packet, August 31. 

"At three o'clock an elegant entertainment was served in the Court- 
louse, for upwards of two hundred persons. Thirteen toasts were drank 
inder discharges of cannon. At the close of the toasts, the President gave 
The Town of Providence,' — rose from the table, and went immediately on 
loard Capt. Brown's Packet for departure. He was attended by a very 
umerous procession — which returned to Governor [Arthur] Fenner's, and 
after three cheers dispersed in good order. It may be proper to remark, 
that no untoward accident took place — that every countenance indicated the 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 193 

most heart felt joy, and that we have reason to believe the President was 
perfectly satisfied with his reception." * — Idem. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22. 

At New York : " New York, August 26. — The President 
of the United States arrived in this city on Sunday [August 
22], after a short and agreeable passage of 24 hours." — 
Pennsylvania Packet, August 28. 

"The visit [to Rhode Island] was gratifying to the citizens as it was 
unexpected. All classes vied with each other in demonstrations of joy, 
respect and admiration : — The pleasing affability and gracious manners of 
the President, and his polite attention to the great number of citizens who 
were successfully presented to him, added if possible, to that love which was 
felt before. When he withdrew from table at Newport, the company rising, 
drank the following toast — The man we love — and never was a toast draniv 
with more severity. — When, ' The President of the United States' was given 
at Providence, the huzzas, plaudits, and shouts of the company within and 
without the Town Hall, continued for some time. There never was, per- 
haps, a greater exhibition of sincere public happiness than upon this occa- 
sion ; every individual thought he beheld a friend and patron ; a father or a 
brother after a long absence ; and on his part, the President seemed to feel 
the joy of a father on the return of the prodigal son.f We have little room 
to doubt that his visit to the .state of Rhode Island will be productive of 
happy eifects, for whatever aversion the citizens of that state may have 
hitherto had to the new government, they must now feel a confidence in 
tlie administration of one who possesses their universal esteem, and of whose 
virtues and patriotism they have, upon numerous occasions, had the strongest 
pledges. ' ' — Idem. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28. 

At New York : " New York, August 31. — On Saturday 
last [August 28] the governor of this state, the mayor of 
the city, and the corporation, were regaled at the festive 
board of the President of the United States. 

" We are informed, that on this occasion the President 

* On this day the President was waited upon by the Society of the Cin- 
cinnati of Rhode Island, and received addresses from the inhabitants of 
Providence and from the Corporation of Rhode Island College, both of 
which he answered. 

t In allusion to the delay of Rhode Island in ratifying the National Con- 
stitution. 

13 



194 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

took an opportunity to express his great reluctance at 
leaving the city, and those who had taken so much pains 
to treat him, not only with dignified respect, but with 
reverence and esteem, as the Father and Patron of the 
United States. Mrs. Washington, also, seemed hurt at the 
idea of bidding adieu to these hospitable shores." — Pennsiil- 
vania Packet, September 2. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 30. 

Leaves New York : * " New York, August 31. — Yester- 
day, about nine o'clock the corporation attended at the 
Presidency in Broadway, where the governor of this state, 
the executive oflicers of government, several other officers, 
gentlemen of the clergy, and others, had already assembled 
to take their leave." — Pennsylvania Packet, September 2. 

" About ten o'clock the procession moved for the President's barge which 
was laying at M'Comb's wharf on the North Kiver, in the following order: 
Sheriff with his insignia of office — Marshals and Constables, with insignias — 
Gov. Clinton — President — Chief Justice Jaj- — The Executive Officers of 
Government — Corporation of New- York— Several Officers — Clergy — Citi- 
zens. At the wharf the escort opened to the right and left, when the Presi- 
dent, his Lady, &c accompanied, marched forward and entered on board the 
barge, under the discharge of a salute of 13 guns from the battery. . . . The 
barge was manned with 13 men, in a uniform of white jackets and black 
caps ; the weather was serene and beautiful, and a few minutes landed them 
at Powles Hook ferry [Jersey City], where the carriages of the President 
and suite were waiting." — Idem. 

THUKSDAY, SEPTEMBEK 2. 

At Philadelphia : " September 4. — Thursday last [Septem- 
ber 2] about 2 o'clock arrived in town from New-York, the 
President of the United States — his Lady, and their suite.f 

* " New York, August 26. — The President will leave this place on Mon- 
day [August 30] — reach Elizabeth Town that night — Brunswick on Tues- 
day night— Trenton on Wednesday night — Breakfast at Bristol on Thursday 
morning, and proceed from thence to Philadelphia." — Tobias Lear to Clem- 
ent Blddle, MS. Letter. 

f Besides the President and Mrs. Washington, the travelling party com- 
prised Eleanor Parke and George Washington Parke Custis, the two grand- 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 195 

They were joined on their approach by a number of re- 
spectable citizens — the city troops of horse, artillery, and 
companies of light infantry, who on this occasion, as well 
as others, all testified their affection for the Benefactor of 
Mankind." — Pennsylvania Packet. 

"Every public demonstration of joy was manifested; — the bells an- 
nounced his welcome — -dfeue dejoye was exhibited — and as he rode through 
town, to the City Tavern, age bowed with respect, and youth repeated, in 
acclamations, the applauses of the Ha-o of the Western World. At 4 
o'clock he partook of a repast (provided by the Corporation at the City 
Tavern) accompanied by the members of our Legislature and of the state 
Convention — by the President [Thomas Mifflin] and other executive officers 
of Pennsylvania, at which Reason, Valor and Hospitality presided. 
After dinner thirteen toasts were drank. In the evening there was a bril- 
liant display of fire works in Market street." — Idem. 

FEIDAY, SEPEMBEPv 3. 

At Philadelphia : Dines with the members of the Con- 
vention for revising the Constitution of Pennsylvania, who, 
having finished their business the day before, had adjourned 
with an understanding that they should come together as a 
body the next day to meet President Washington. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4. 

At Philadelphia : " September 8. — The President of the 
United States during his short stay in this city, received 
every mark of respect, attention and aflection to his person, 
which the public or individuals could demonstrate : of the 
latter we cannot omit mentioning an elegant F^e Champitre 
that was given to this illustrious personage, his amiable 
consort and family, on Saturday last [September 4] on the 
banks of the Schuylkill, in the highly improved grounds 
of the Messrs. Gray, by a number of respectable private 
citizens." — Pennsylvania Packet. 



children of Mrs. Washington, Major William Jackson, Thomas Nelson,. I .v 
maids, four white and four black servants, and sixteen horses. 



196 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

y 

"The company amounting to near two hundred ladies and gentlemen, 
assembled at two o'clock, and at three sat down to a sumptuous and splendid 
cold collation in which (though only 24 hours were given for the prepara- 
tion) all viands and fruits of the season were assembled and elegantly ar- 
ranged. A band of music played during the repast, and at the close several 
excellent songs were sung, and toasts were given. The President and Ladies 
then withdrew ; when the following toast was drank with loud applause. 
The ILLUSTRIOUS TRAVELLERS."— /rfem. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. 

At Philadelphia : " After a pleasant journey we arrived 
in this city on Thursday last, and to-morrow we proceed 
(if Mrs. Washington's health will permit, for she has been 
much indisposed since we came here) toward Mount Ver- 
non." — Washington to Tobias Lear. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. 

Leaves Philadelphia : " September 7. — Yesterday morning 
the President of the United States proceeded on his journey 
to his seat in Virginia." — Pennsylvania Packet. 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. 

At Baltimore : Baltimore^ September 10. — On Wednes- 
day last [September 8] at Six o'clock in the afternoon, the 
President of the United States and his Lady, attended by 
their suite, arrived here from Philadelphia, on their way to 
Mount Vernon. On their entrance into town they were 
received and saluted by a Federal discharge from Capt. 
Stodder's company of artillery ; and such other public 
demonstrations were manifested by the citizens as shewed 
the most unfeigned affection and veneration for the ILLUS- 
TRIOUS TRAVELLERS."— Pen?i5y//m«/a Packet, Septem- 
ber 16. 

" Baltimore, September 10. — Thursday forenoon [September 9], the Pres- 
ident was waited on by a number of the citizens, whom he received with his 
usual politeness and attention, and, at four o'clock he honored the merchants 
with his company at an elegant entertainment, prepared at Mr. Grant's 
tavern, at which his suite and several other gentlemen were present. Thir- 
teen toasts were drank on this occasion." — Idem. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 197 

FKIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. 

Leaves Baltimore : " Baltimore^ September 10. — This 
morning at six o'clock, the President, his Lady and suite, 
set out on their journey. Captain Stodder saluted them on 
their departure, with a Federal Discharge from his Artil- 
lery Park." — Pennsylvania Packet, September 16. 

" George-Town, September 15. — Last Saturday [September 11] about 
eight o'clock in the morning arrived here from Bladensburg, where they 
lodged the preceding night, the President of the United States, his Lady 
and suite, on their way to Mount Vernon. The members of the Patowmack 
Company of Alexandria, and this place, met their illustrious President at 
Mr. John Suter's, notwithstanding the fatigue of a long journey, his Excel- 
lency proceeded to business respecting the navigation of the Patowmack." — 
The Pennsylvania Mercury, September 21. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 23. — The President of the 
United States arrived at Mount Vernon on Saturday, the 
11th instant." — Pennsylvania Packet. \ 

^^ Mount Vernon, 16 Sept. 1790. — I have been here two days, and have 
seen most of the improvements which do honour at once to the taste and 
industry of our Washington. I have been treated as usual with every most 
distinguished mark of kindness and attention. Hospitality indeed seems to 
have spread over the whole its happiest, kindest influence. The President 
exercises it in a superlative degree, from the greatest of its duties to the 
most trifling minutiae, and Mrs. Washington is the very essence of kindness. 
Her soul seems to overflow with it like the most abundant fountain and her 
happiness is in exact proportion to the number of objects upon which she 
can dispense her benefits." — Thomas Lee Shippen to Dr. William Ship- 
pen, Jr. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3. 

At Mount Vernon : In a letter of this date to Tobias 
Lear, Washington requests that a transcript be made of one 
from Count d'Estaing, referring to a bust of M. Necker, 
which had been sent to him by the Count. 

This small Parian bust of M. Necker, the famous French Minister of 
Finance, which stood for many years on a bracket in the library at Mount 
Vernon, is now in the possession of The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 



198 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

having been purchased (April, 1891) from Lawrence Washington, son of 
Colonel John Augustine "Washington, the last private owner of Mount 
Vernon. It bears upon a brass plate on the pedestal the following inscrip- 
tion : " Presented to GEORGE WASHINGTON President of the UNITED 
STATES of AMERICA by his most dutiful, most obedient and most humble 
servant, Estaing, a Citizen of the state of Georgia, by an act of 22* feb. 1785, 
and a Citizen of France in 1790." 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " We are approaching the first Mon- 
day in December by hasty strides. I pray you, therefore, 
to revolve in your mind such matters as may be proper for 
me to lay before Congress, not only in your department, if 
any there be, but such others of a general nature, as may 
happen to occur to you, that I may be prepared to open the 
session with such communications as shall appear to merit 
attention." — Washington to Alexander Hamilton. 

Congress had adjourned at New York on the 12th day of August, to meet 
at Philadelphia the first Monday of December, in pursuance of the act of 
July 9, fixing the seat of government in that city until the first Monday in 
December, 1800. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27. 

At Mount Vernon : In a letter of this date written to 
Tobias Lear at Philadelphia, Washington states that he had 
just returned from a twelve days' excursion up the Potomac. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " I have had the pleasure to receive 
your letters of the 11th of May and 12th of July last, to- 
gether with the flattering mark of your and Madame de 
Brehan's regard, which accompanied the former; for which, 
and the obliging satisfaction you express on the restoration 
of my health, I beg you and her to accept my grateful 
acknowledgments." — Washington to the Count de 3Ioustier. 

The flattering mark of regard on the part of the Count de Moustier and 
his sister, referred to in the above-quoted letter, consisted of some proof 
impressions of the engraving by A. F. Sergent, after the profile of the 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 199 

President executed by Madame de Brehan from the sitting recorded in the 
Diary of October 3, 1789. One of these impressions, presented to Mrs. 
Robert Morris with the compliments of the President, was in turn presented 
by a granddaughter of Mrs. Morris to General George B. McClellan shortly 
after the battle of Antietam. An admirable copy of this print was made by 
Charles Burt; it is described in Baker's "Engraved Portraits of Washing- 
ton," page 70. 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17. 

At Alexandria : Present at a dinner given to him by the 
citizens of Alexandria. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19. 

At Mount Vernon : " I expect to commence my journey 
for Philadelphia on Monday [November 22] — but from the 
state of the Koads after the incessant and heavy rains which 
have fallen, my progress must be slow." — Washington to 
General Knox. 

November 23. — Washington, writing to Tobias Lear under this date, from 
Spurrier's Tavern, ten miles south of Baltimore, says, " The roads are in- 
famous — no hope of reaching Baltimore to night ; we have not yet gone to 
dinner, but are waiting for it." 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27. 

At Philadelphia: " November 27. — This forenoon [at eleven 
o'clock] the President of the United States, George Wash- 
ington, arrived here from his seat in Virginia [with his 
lady and family], and proceeded to the house of Robert 
Morris on Market Street, provided for him by the city 
corporation." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

The house owned by Robert Morris, and occupied by the President during 
his residence in Philadelphia, was on the south side of Market, sixty feet 
east of Sixth Street. The original building erected by Mary Masters (widow 
of William Masters), prior to 1772, was successively occupied by Richard 
Penn, who married Mary the daughter of Mrs. Masters ; by General Howe 
as head-quarters during the possession of the city by the British ; by Bene- 
dict Arnold, after the evacuation ; and by John Holker, Consul-Goneral of 
France. During the occupancy of the latter the house was partially con- 



200 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

sumed by fire (January 2, 1780) and rendered uninhabitable.* After this 
date, Kobert Morris contracted for the purchase of the ground with the ruins, 
and caused the mansion to be " rebuilt and repaired," and finally obtained a 
deed for the same from Mrs. Masters, Richard Penn and wife, and Sarah 
Masters, dated August 25, 1785. Mr. Morris was living in the house at this 
time. 

Richard Rush, in his "Reminiscences," speaking of the house as it ap- 
peared in his boyhood, when "Washington lived in it, says, " It was a large 
double house. To the east a brick wall six or seven feet high ran well on 
toward Fifth street, until it met other houses; the wall enclosed a garden, 
which was shaded by lofty old trees, and ran back to what is now Minor 
street, where the stables stood. To the west no building adjoined it, the 
nearest house in that direction being at the corner of Sixth and Market, 
where lived Robert Morris." 

The house was taken down in 1833 and three stores erected upon the site, 
now known as Nos. 526, 528, and 530 Market Street.f 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7. 

At Philadelphia : " December 8. — Yesterday, at the levee 
of the President of the United States, Ignatius Palyrat, 
Esq; as Consul-General from her most faithful Majesty the 
Queen of Portugal to the United States of America, was 
presented by the Hon, Thomas Jotferson, Secretary of 
State, and most graciously received. "| — Pennsylcania Packet. 

The Presidential levees at Philadelphia were held every Tuesday between 
three and four o'clock in the afternoon, at which Washington understood 
that he was visited as the Presidetit of the United States, and not on his own 
account. The visitors were either introduced by his secretary or by some 
gentleman whom he knew himself. The place of reception was the dining- 
room on the first floor, in the rear of the house. 

"At three o'clock, or at any time within a quarter of an hour afterward, 
the visitor was conducted to this dining room, from which all seats had been 
removed for the time. On entering, he saw the tall manly figure of Wash- 

* ^^ January 2, 1780. — Early this morning a fire broke out in Mr. Penn's 
house on Market Street,, occupied by Mr. Holker, the French Consul, which 
was consumed to the first floor." — Diary of Jacob HiltzJicimer. 

f The site has lately (May 8, 1897) been marked by a tablet erected by 
The Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution on No. 528, the middle 
building. 

X '^December, 7, 1790. — The first levee was held this day, at which I at- 
tended." — Journal of William Maclay. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 201 

ington clad in black velvet ; his hair in full dress, powdered and gathered 
behind in a large silk bag ; yellow gloves on his hands ; holding a cocked 
hat with a cockade in it, and the edges adorned with a black feather about an 
inch deep. He wore knee and shoe buckles ; and a long sword, with a finely- 
wrought and polished steel hilt, which appeared at the left hip ; the coat 
worn over the sword, so that the hilt, and the part below the coat behind, 
were in view. The scabbard was white polished leather. He stood always 
in front of the fire-place, with his face towards the door of entrance. The 
visitor was conducted to him, and he required to have the name so distinctly 
pronounced that he could hear it. He had the very uncommon faculty of 
associating a man's name, and personal appearance, so durably in his memory, 
as to be able to call one by name, who made him a second visit. He received 
his visitor with a dignified bow, while his hands were so disposed of as to 
indicate, that the salutation was not to be accompanied with shaking hands. 
This ceremony never occurred in these visits, even with his most near friends, 
that no distinction might be made, 

" As visitors came in, they formed a circle around the room. At a quarter 
past three, the door was closed, and the circle was formed for that day. He 
then began on the right, and spoke to each visitor, calling him by name, 
and exchanging a few words with him. When he had completed his circuit, 
he resumed his first position, and the visitors approached him in succession, 
bowed and retired. By four o'clock this ceremony was over." — William 
Sullivan, Public Men of the Revolution., page 120. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBEK 8. 

At Philadelphia : At twelve o'clock addresses both 
Houses of Congress in the Senate Chamber.* 

The sessions of Congress at Philadelphia were held in the two-story brick 
building at. the southeast corner of Sixth and Chestnut Streets, erected 
1787-89 for a county building, and still standing. As originally constructed 
the building was sixty-five feet in depth along Sixth Street, the Senate 
Chamber being in the second story back room, the front being occupied as 
committee rooms. In 1798, however, an addition was made to the rear of 
about thirty-seven feet, and the Senate Chamber moved to the addition. 
The Hall of the House of Representatives was on the first floor, the whole of 
which (including the addition) was in one chamber, with the exception of a 
vestibule running along the full front on Chestnut Street, and containing on 
the left of the main entrance the staircase leading to the chambers above. 

* ^^ December 8. — This was the day assigned for the President to deliver 
his speech, and was attended with all the bustle and hurry usual on such 
occasions. The President was dressed in black, and read his speech well 
enough, or at least tolerably." — Journal of William Maclay. 



202 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1790 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13. 

At Philadelphia : " December 14. — At 12 o'clock yester- 
day, the Senate of the United States attended the President 
at his own house, and delivered their [answer to his] ad- 
dress. At 2 o'clock [December 14] the House, preceded 
by the Sergeant at arms, waited upon the President, and 
delivered their answer, to which they received a reply." — 
Pennsylvania Packet. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14. 

At Philadelphia : " December 14. — This was levee day, 
and I accordingly dressed and did the needful. It is an 
idle thing, but what is the life of men but folly ? — and this 
is perhaps as innocent as any of them, so far as respects 
the persons acting. The practice, however, considered as a 
feature of royalty, is certainly anti-republican. This cer- 
tainly escapes nobody. The royalists glory in it as a point 
gained. Republicans are borne down by fashion and a fear 
of being charged with a want of respect to General Wash- 
ington. If there is treason in the wish I retract it, but 
would to God this same General Washington were in 
heaven ! We would not then have him brought forward 
as the constant cover to every unconstitutional and irre- 
publican act." — Journal of William Maclay. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15. 

At Philadelphia : " December 25. — Wednesday evening, 
the 15th. inst. the Hon. Judge [James] Wilson, law profes- 
sor in the College of Philadelphia, delivered his introduc- 
tory lecture in the College-hall [Fourth, below Arch Street]. 
The President of the United States, with his lady — also the 
Vice-President, and both houses of Congress, the President 
[Thomas Mifflin] and both houses of the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania, together with a great number of ladies and 
gentlemen, were present; the whole composing a most bril- 
liant and respectable audience." — Pennsylvania Packet. 



1790] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 203 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24. 

At Philadelphia : " December 26. — On Friday evening last 
[December 24], I went with Charles * to the drawing- 
room, being the first of my appearance in public. The 
room became full before I left it, and the circle very bril- 
liant. How could it be otherwise, when the dazzling Mrs. 
Bingham and her beautiful sisters [the Misses Willing] 
were there; the Misses Allen, and Misses Chew; in short, 
a constellation of beauties?" — Mrs. John Adams to Mrs. 
William 8. Smith. 

Miss SaHy McKean, daughter of Thomas McKean, Chief-Justice of 
Pennsylvania, who was present at this levee Or drawing-room, writing to a 
friend in New York, said, "You never could have had such a drawing- 
room ; it was brilliant beyond any thing you could imagine ; and though 
there was a good deal of extravagance, there was so much of Philadelphia 
taste in every thing that it must be confessed the most delightful occasion 
of the kind ever known in this country." 

At the levees of Mrs. Washington, which were held every Friday evening, 
the President did not consider himself as visited. On these occasions he 
appeared as a private gentleman, with neither hat nor sword, conversing 
without restraint, generally with women, who rarely had other opportunities 
of meeting him. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28. 

At Philadelphia : " December 28. — This being levee day, I 
attended in a new suit. This piece of duty I have not 
omitted since I came to town and if there is little harm 
in it there can not be much good." — Journal of William 
Maclay. 

* The third child of John and Abigail Adams. The other children were 
Abigail, who married Colonel William Stephens Smith, John Quincy, and 
Thomas Boylston. 



I79I. 



SATUEDAY, JANUAKY 1. 

At Philadelphia : This being ITew Year's Day, the Presi- 
dent was visited by members of Congress, citizens, and 
others, to pay him the compliments of the season. 

'■'■January 1. — Just as I passed the President's house GrifBn called to me 
and asked whether I would not pay my respects to the President. I was in 
boots and had on my worst clothes. I could not prevail on myself to go 
with him. I had, however, passed him but a little way when Osgood, 
Postmaster-General, attacked me warmly to go with him. I was pushed 
forward by him ; bolted into his presence ; made the President the compli- 
ments of the season ; had a hearty shake by the hand. I was asked to 
partake of the punch and cakes, but declined. I sat down, and we had 
some chat. But the diplomatic gentry and foreigners coming in, I embraced 
the first vacancy to make my bow and wish him good morning. ' ' — Journal 
of William Maclay. 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4. 

At Philadelphia : " January 4. — It was levee day. I 
dressed and did the duty of it." — Journal of William Maclay. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5. 

At Philadelphia : " January 5. — We hear that the Presi- 
dent of the United States will honour the Theatre with his 
presence, this evening." — Pennsylvania Journal. 

The advertisement for the evening's performance was as follows: "By 
Particular Desire. By the OLD AMERICAN COMPANY, At the 
THEATRE, in Southwark,* This Evening, January 5 A COMEDY— 
Called The School for Scandal. DANCING by Mr. [John] Durang. 
To which will be added, a Comedy in two acts. Called, The Poor 
Soldier. ' ' 

* The Southwark Theatre was at the corner of South and Apollo (now 
Charles) Streets, between Fourth and Fifth Streets. 
204 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 205 

Charles Durang, in his " History of the Philadelphia Stage," partly com- 
piled from the papers of his father, John Durang, says, " 'The School for 
Scandal,' and the ' Poor Soldier,' were the favorite pieces of General George 
"Washington, such was his revolutionary designation, whenever he was 
spoken of in these days. These pieces were often acted at his desire, when- 
ever he visited the theatre. His suite was generally very large, and filled 
nearly the whole of the first tier of boxes. It may be recollected that the au- 
ditory was of limited size. The presence of that virtuous and pure patriot, 
that model of a national executive, at any public place, was the harbinger 
of enthusiastic pleasure to all. His attendence on the play was the unfail- 
ing magnet that attracted the entire circles of fashion, and of all classes of 
the sovereign people, to do homage to the defender and founder of their 
national institutions." 

SATURDAY, JANUAPvY 8. 

At Philadelphia : " January 8. — At 11 o'clock, the mem- 
bers of Congress and the [Pennsylvania] Assembly attended 
a concert in the Lutheran Church on Fourth Street [corner 
of Cherry]. The President of the United States with his 
lady were present." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

Jacob Hiltzheimer, a German by birth, settled at Philadelphia in the 
latter part of 1748. He was a member of the State Assembly from 1786 to 
1797, and was quite a prominent citizen. Mr. Hiltzheimer kept a diary from 
1768 to 1798, extracts from which were first published in Volume XVI. of 
the Pennsylvania Magazine. It was subsequently privately printed at Phil- 
adelphia in 1893. He died of yellow fever September 14, 1798. Mr. Hiltz- 
heimer became the owner, in July, 1777, of the house at the southwest corner 
of Seventh and Market Streets, in which Thomas Jeflferson wrote the Dec- 
laration of Independence. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20. 

At Philadelphia : " January 20. — Dined with the Presi- 
dent this day. ... I have now seen him for the last time, 
perhaps. Let me take a review of him as he really is. Li 
stature about six feet, with an unexceptionable make, but 
lax appearance. His frame would seem to want filling up. 
His motions rather slow than lively, though he showed no 
signs of having suflrered by gout or rheumatism. His com- 
plexion pale, nay, almost cadaverous. His voice hollow 
and indistinct, owing as I believe to artificial teeth before 



206 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

his upper jaw, which occasioned a flatness of . . .•' — Jour- 
nal of William Maclay. 

The above extract from the Journal of William Maclay, published in 1890, 
is, unfortunately, but a fragment, the editor, Edgar S. Maclay, stating in a 
note that " the leaf on which the rest of the description was written had 
been torn out and lost." 

MONDAY, JANUARY 24. 

At Philadelphia : Issues a proclamation directing the 
commissioners appointed under the act of July 16, 1790, to 
run four lines of experiment for the purpose of determining, 
for immediate acceptance, the locality of the ten miles 
square on the Potomac for the seat of government of the 
United States. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26. 

At Philadelphia : " January 25. — To-morrow the Presi- 
dent dines with us, the Governor, the Ministers of State, 
and some Senators." — Mrs. John Adams to Mrs. William S. 
Smith. 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17. 

At Philadelphia: ^'February 21. — On Thursday last 
[February 17] I dined with the President, in company with 
the ministers and ladies of the court. He was more than 
usually social. . . . He asked very affectionately after you 
and the children, and at table picked the sugar-plums from 
a cake, and requested me to take them for Master John." 
—Mrs. John Adams to Mrs. William S. Smith. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 

At Philadelphia : " February 23. — Yesterday being th^ 
Anniversary of the Birth-Day of THE PRESIDENT OF 
THE UNITED STATES, when he attained to the 59th 
year of his age — the same was celebrated here with every 
demonstration of public joy. The Artillery and Light- 
Infantry corps of the city were paraded, and at 12 O'clock 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 207 

a federal Salute was tired. The congratulatory Compli- 
ments of the Members of the Legislature of the Union — 
the Heads of the Departments of State— Foreign Ministers 
— Officers, civil and military of the State — the Reverend 
Clergy — and Strangers and Citizens of distinction, were 
presented to the President on this auspicious occasion." — 
Gazette of the United States. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2. 

At Philadelphia : " March 2. — The American Philosoph- 
ical Society held in this city, for promoting useful knowl- 
edge, having directed that an eulogium to the memory of 
their late worthy President Doctor Benjamin Franklin,* 
should be prepared ; the society met this morning, at their 
hall [Fifth Street below Chestnut], and proceeded in a 
body to the German Lutheran Church in Fourth street, 
when the Rev. Dr. [William] Smith pronounced an elegant 
oration on the important occasion. 

" The Society invited and were honored with the attend- 
ance of — The President of the United States f and his Lady. 
— The Vice President and his Lady. — The Senate and 
House of Representatives of the United States. — Both 
Houses of the Legislature of this State. — ^Foreign Minis- 
ters and consuls &c &c." — Dunlajp^s American Daily Ad- 
vertiser. 

WEDNESDAY, MAKCH 16. 

At Philadelphia : " Congress finished their session on the 
3dofMarch.| . . . They made provision for the interest on 

* Benjamin Franklin died in Philadelphia April 17, 1790. 

■f- George Washington was elected a member of the American Philosophi- 
cal Society in January, 1780. 

J The first Congress elected under the new Constitution terminated on the 
third day of March, 1791. This Congress held three sessions : the first from 
March 4, 1789, to September 29, 1789 ; the second from January 4, 1790, to 
August 12, 1790 ; the third from December G, 1790, to March 3, 1791. The 
first and second sessions were held in New York, and the third and la^t in 
Philadi Iphia. 



208 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

the national debt, bj laying a higher duty than that which 
hitherto existed on spirituous liquors, imported or manu- 
factured; they estal)li8hed a national bank; they passed 
[March 3, 1791] a law for certain measures to be taken 
towards establishing a mint ; * and finished much other 
business of less importance, conducting on all occasions 
with great harmony and cordiality. . . . 

" The remarks of a foreign Count [Andriani] are such as 
do no credit to his judgment, and as little to his heart. 
They are the superficial observations of a few months' resi- 
dence, and an insult to the inhabitants of a country, where 
he has received more attention and civility than he seems 
to merit.'' — Washington to David Humjjhreys. 

Count Andriani, of Milan, visited the United States in 1790. He was the 
bearer of an ode addressed to Washington by Alfieri, the celebrated Italian 
poet, who also in 1788 had dedicated his tragedy of " The First Brutus" to 
the "most illustrious and free citizen, General Washington." After his 
return to Europe, Andriani published an abusive account of American 
politics and manners, to which Colonel Humphreys, under date of London, 
October 31, 1790, had drawn the attention of the President. 

SATUKDAY, MARCH 19. 

At Philadelphia : " The tender concern, which you ex- 
press on my late illness, awakens emotions, which words 
will not explain, and to which your own sensibility can 
best do justice. My health is now quite restored, and I 
flatter myself with the hope of a long exemption from sick- 
ness. On Monday next I shall enter on the practice of 
your friendly prescription of exercise, intending at that 
time to begin a journey to the southward, during which I 
propose visiting all the Southern States." — Washington to 
the Marquis de Lafayette. 



* The act of Congress establishing the mint and regulating the coins of 
the United States was passed March 26, 1792, and approved by the President 
on April 2. 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 209 

MONDAY, MAKCH 21. 

Leaves Philadelphia : ^ 3Iarch 21. — Left Philadelphia 
about 11 o'clock to make a tour through the Southern 
States — Reached Chester about 3 o'clock — dined and lodged 
at Mr. Wjthes. ... In this tour I was accompanied by 
Majr. Jackson. — My equipage & attendance consisted of a 
Charriot & four horses drove in hand — a light baggage 
Waggon & two horses — four saddle horses besides a led 
one for myself — and live — to wit — my Valet de Chambre, 
two footmen, Coachman & postillion," — Washington's Diary. 

" March 22. — At half past 6 o'clock we left Chester, & breakfasted at 
Wilmington . . . crossing Christiana Creek proceeded through Newcastle 
& by the Red Lyon to the Buck tavern 13 miles from Newcastle, and 19 
from Wilmington where we dined and lodged. March 23. — Set off at 6 
oclock — breakfasted at Warwick — bated with hay 9 miles farther — and 
dined and lodged at the House of one Worrell's in Chester[town]. March 
24. — Left Chestertown about 6 o'clock — before nine 1 arrived at Rock-Hall 
[on the Chesapeake Bay] where we breakfasted and immediately ; after 
which we began to embark. . . . Afier 8 o'clock P.M. we made the Mouth 
of Severn River (leading up to Annapolis) but the ignorance of the People 
on board, with respect to the navigation of it run us aground first on Green- 
bury point from whence with much exertion and difficulty we got off; & 
then, having no knowledge of the Channel and the night being immensely 
dark with heavy and variable squals of wind — constant lightning & tremen- 
dous thunder — we soon got aground again on what is called Home's point — 
where finding all efforts in vain, & not knowing where we were we re- 
mained, not knowing what might happen, till morning." — Washington's 
Diary. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 25. 

At Annapolis : " 3Iarch 25. — Having lain all night in my 
Great Coat & Boots, in a birth not long enough for me by 
the head, & much cramped ; we found ourselves in the 
morning within about one mile of Annapolis, & still fast 
aground. Whilst we were preparing our small Boat in 
order to land in it, a sailing Boat came of to our assistance 
in well, with the Baggage I had on board I landed. . . . 

"Was informed upon my arrival (when 15 Guns were 

14 



210 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

fired) that all my other horses arrived safe that embarked 
at the same time I did, about 8 o'clock last night. 

" Was waited upon by the Governor [John Eager How- 
ard] as soon as I arrived at Man's tavern & was engaged 
by him to dine with the Citizens of Annapolis this day at 
Mann's tavern, and at his House to-morrow — the first I 
accordingly did." — Washington's Diary. 

" March 26. — Dined at the Governors — and went to the Assembly in the 
Evening where I stayed till half past ten o'clock. March 27. — About 9 
o'clock this morning I left Annapolis, under a discharge of Artillery, and 
being accompanied by the Governor a Mr. Kilty of the Council and Mr. 
Charles Stuart proceeded on my .Journey for George-Town. Bated at 
Queen Ann, 13 miles distant and dined and lodged at Bladensburgh. " — 
Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, MAKCH 28. 

At George Town : " March 28. — Left Bladensburgh at 
half after six, & breakfasted at George Town about 8 ; 
where, having appointed the Commissioners under the 
Residence Law to meet me, I found Mr. [Thomas] Johnson 
one of them (& who is Chief Justice of the State) in wait- 
ing — & soon after came in David Stuart & Danl. Carroll 
Esqrs. the other two. — A few miles out of Town I was 
met by the principal Citizens of the place and escorted in 
by them ; and dined at Suter's tavern (where I also lodged) 
at a public dinner given by the Mayor & Corporation — 
previous to which I examined the Surveys of Mr, [Andrew] 
Ellicot who had been sent on to lay out the district of ten 
miles square for the federal seat ; and also the works of 
Majr. L'Enfant who had been engaged to examine & make 
a draught of the grds. in the vicinity of George Town and 
Carrollsburg on the Eastern branch." — Washington's Diarji. 

" March 29. — Finding the interests of the Landholders about Georgetown 
and those about CarroUsburgh much at variance and that their fears and 
jealousies of each were counteracting the public purposes & might prove 
injurious to its best interests whilst if properly managed they might be 
made to subserve it — I requested them to meet me at six o'clock this after- 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 211 

noon at my lodgings, which they accordingly did. . . . Dined at Col" For- 
rest's to day with the Commissioners & others. March 30. — The parties to 
whom I addressed myself yesterday evening, having taken the matter into 
consideration saw the propriety of my observations ; and that whilst they 
were contending for the shadow they might loose the substance ; and there- 
fore mutually agreed and entered into articles to surrender for public pur- 
poses, one half of the land they severally possessed within bounds which 
were designated as necessary for the City to stand- . • • 

" This business being thus happily finished & some directions given to the 
Commissioners, the Surveyor and Engineer with respect to the mode of lay- 
ing out the district — Surveying the grounds for the City & forming them 
into lots — I left Georgetown — dined in Alexandria & reached Mount Vernon 
in the evening." — Washington's Diary. 

THUESDAY, MARCH 31.* 

At Mount Vernon : " Having been so fortunate as to rec- 
oncile the contending interests of Georgetown and Carrolls- 
burg, aiid to unite them in such an agreement as permits 
the public purposes to be carried into effect on an extensive 
and proper scale, I have the pleasure to transmit to you the 
enclosed proclamation, which, after annexing the seal of the 
United States, and your countersignature, you will cause to 
be published." — Washington to Thomas Jefferson. 

The proclamation alluded to in the above letter was issued for the purpose 
of publicly defining the lines of the territory selected for the permanent 
seat of government of the United States. It is dated Georgetown, March 
30. The descriptive clause is as follows : " Beginning at Jones' Point, being 
the upper cape of Hunting Creek in Virginia, and at an angle in the outset 
of forty-five degrees west of the north, and running in a direct line ten miles 
for the first line ; then beginning again at the same Jones' Point and run- 
ning another direct line at a right angle with the first across the Potomac, 
ten miles, for the second line; then, from the termination of the said first 
and second lines, running two other direct lines of ten miles each, the one 
crossing the Eastern Branch aforesaid, and the other the Potomac, and meet- 
ing each other in a point." 

MONDAY, APRIL 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " I shall be on the 8th of April at 
Fredericksburg, the 11th at Eichmond, the 14th at Peters- 

* ^^ March 31. — From this time, until the 7th of April, I remained at 
Mount Vernon — visiting my Plantations every day. ' ' — Washington's Diary. 



212 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

burg, the 16tli at Halifax, the 18th at Tarborough, the 20th 
at Newbern, the 24th at Wilmington, the 29th at George- 
town, South Carolina; on the 2d of May at Charleston, 
halting there five days; on the 11th at Savannah, halting 
there two days. Thence leaving the line of the mail, I 
shall proceed to Augusta ; and according to the information 
which I may receive there, my return by an upper road 
will be regulated." — Washington to the Secretaries of State, 
Treasury, and War. 

"With a single exception, that of the stay in Charleston being prolonged 
one day beyond the time allowed, this itinerary for the early part of the 
southern tour was accurately fulfilled, and forms an interesting example of 
the methodical care observed by Washington in all the affairs of his life. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 7. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " April 7. — Recommenced my 
journey with Horses apparently much refreshed and in 
good spirits. . . . Proceeded to Dumfries where I dined — 
after which I visited & drank Tea with my Mece Mrs. 
Thos. Lee." * — Washington's Diary. 

" April 8 — Set out about 6 o'clock — breakfasted at Stafford Court House — 
and dined and lodged at my Sister Lewis's in Fredericksburgh." — Washing- 
ton'' s Diary. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 9. 

At Fredericksburg : " April 9. — Dined at an entertained 
given by the Citizens of the town. — Received and answered 
an address from the Corporation." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ April 10. — Left Fredericksburgh about 6 o'clock, — myself Majr. Jack- 
son and one Servant breakfa.sted at General Spots wood's — the rest of my 
Servants continued on to Todd's Ordinary where they also breakfasted. — 
Dined at the Bowling Green — and lodged at Kenners Tavern 14 miles 
farther — in all 35 m." — Washington's Diary. 

* Mildred, daughter of John Augustine "Washington, She married (Octo- 
ber, 1788) Thomas, the eldest son of Richard Henry Lee. 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER TEE REVOLUTION. 213 

MONDAY, APKIL 11. 

At Richmond: '■''April 11. — Took an early breakfast at 
Kinner's — bated at one Rawling's half way between that & 
Richmd. and dined at the latter about 3 o'clock. — On my 
arrival was saluted by the Cannon of the place — waited on 
by the Governor [Henry Lee] and other gentlemen — and 
saw the City illuminated at night." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ April 12. — In company with the Governor, — The Directors of the James 
Kiver Navigation Company — the Manager & many other Gentlemen — I 
viewed the Canal, Sluces, Locks, & other works between the City of'Kich- 
mond & Westham. . . . Keceived an Address from the Mayor, Aldermen 
& Common Council of the City of Richmond at three o'clock, & dined with 
the Governor at 4 o'clock. April 13. — Dined at a public entertainment 
given by the Corporation of Richmond." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 14. 

At Petersburg, Virginia : " April 14. — Left Richmond 
after an early breakfast — & passing through Manchester 
received a Salute from cannon & an Escort of Horse under 
the command of Captn. David Meade Randolph as far as 
Osbornes where I was met by the Petersburgh horse & 
escorted to that place & partook of a Public dinner giveri\ 
by the Mayor & Corporation and went to an Assembly in 
the evening for the occasion at wliich there were between 
60 & 70 ladies."— TFa.s/«7?^;;or<'s Diary. 

" April 15 — Set out a little after five. ... I came twelve miles to break- 
fast, at one Jesse Lee's, and 15 miles farther to dinner ; and where I lodged, 
at the House of one Oliver, which is a good one for horses, and where there 
are tolerable clean beds. . . . April 16. — Got into my Carriage a little after 
5 o'clock, and travelled thro' a cloud of dust until I came within two or 
three miles of Hix's ford when it began to Rain. — Breakfasted at one 
Andrew's about a mile after passing the ford (or rather the bridge) over 
Meherrin River. . . . The only Inn short of Hallifax having no stables in 
wch. the horses could be comfortaltle & no Rooms or beds which appeared 
tolerable & every thing else having a dirty appearance, I was compelled to 
keep on to Hallifax ; 27 miles from Andrews — 48 from Olivers — and 75 from 
Petersburgh — At this place (i.e., Hallifax) I arrived about six o'clock, after 
crossing the Roanoke; on the South bank of which it stands. " — Washing- 
ion's Diary. 



214 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

SUNDAY, APRIL 17. 

At Halifax, North Carolina : " April 17.— Col" [John B.] 
Ashe the Representative of the district in which this town 
stands, and several other Gentlemen called upon, and in- 
vited me to partake of a dinner which the Inhabitants were 
desirous of seeing me at & excepting it dined with them 
accordingly." — Washington's Diary. 

" April 18. — Set out by six o'clock — dined at a small house kept by one 
Slaughter, 22 Miles from Hallifax and lodged at Tarborough. April 19. — 
At 6 o'clock I left Tarborough accompanied by some of the most respectable 
people of the place for a few miles — dined at a trifling place called Green- 
ville 25 miles distant — and lodged at one Allan's 14 miles further a very in- 
different house without stabling which for the first time since I commenced 
my Journey were obliged to stand without a cover." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20. 

At Newbern, North Carolina : " April 20. — Left Allans 
before breakfast, & under a misapprehension went to a Col" 
Allans, supposing it to be a public house ; where we were 
very kindly & well entertained without knowing it was 
at his expence, until it was too late to rectify the mistake. 
After breakfasting, & feeding our horses here, we pro- 
ceeded on & crossing the River Neuse 11 miles further 
arrived in Newbern to dinner. At this ferry which is 10 
miles from Newbern, we were met by a small party of 
Horse ; the district Judge (Mr. [John] Sitgreave) and many 
of the principal Inhabitants of Newbern, who conducted 
us into town to exceeding good lodgings." — Washington' s 
Diary. 

^^ April 21.^Dined with the Citizens at a public dinner given by them; 
and went to a dancing assembly in the evening — both of which was at what 
they call the Pallace — formerly the Government House & a good brick build- 
ing but now hastening to Ruins. — The Company at both was numerous at 
the latter there was abt. 70 ladies. April 22. — Under an Escort of horse, 
and many of the principal Gentlemen of Newbern I recommenced my jour- 
ney — dined at a place called Trenton which is the head of the boat naviga- 
tion of the River Trent, wch. is crossed at this place on a bridge — and lodged 
at one Shrine's 10 m. farther — both indifferent Houses. April 23. — Break- 



1791]" WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 215 

fasted at one Everets 12 miles bated at a Mr. Foy's 12 miles farther and 
lodged at one Sage's 20 miles be\-d. it — all indifferent Houses." — Washing- 
ton's lyiary. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 24. 

At "Wilmington, North Carolina : " A'pril 24. — Break- 
fasted at an indiiferent House about 13 miles from Sage's — 
and three miles further met a party of Ijight Horse from 
Wilmington ; and after these a Commee. & other Gentle- 
men of the Town; who came out to escort me into it, and 
at which I arrived under a federal salute at very good lodg- 
ings prepared for me, about two o'clock — at these I dined 
with the Commee, whose company I asked." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" April 25. — Dined with the Citizens of the place at a public dinner given 
by them — Went to a Ball iu the evening at which there were 62 ladies — 
illuminations, Bonfires, «S:c. April 26. — Having sent my Carriage across 
the day before, I left AVilmington about 6 o'clock, accompanied by most of 
the Gentlemen of the Town, and breakfasting at Mr. Ben. Smith's lodged at 
one Russ' 25 miles from Wilmington. — An indifferent House. April 27. — 
Breakfasted at Willm. Cause's a little out of the direct Road 14 miles — 
crossed the boundary line between No. & South Carolina abt. half after 12 
o'clock which is about 10 miles from Gause's — dined at a private house (one 
Cochran's) about 2 miles farther — and lodged at Mr. Vareen's 14 miles more. 
April 28. — Mr. Vareen piloted us across the Swash . . . and it being at a 
proper time of the tide we passed along it with ease and celerity to the place 
of quitting it, which is estimated 16 miles, — five miles farther we got dinner 
& fed our horses at a Mr. Pauley's a private house, no public one being on 
the Road ; — and being met on the Road, & kindly invited by a Doctor Flagg 
to his house, we lodged there ; it being about 10 miles from Pauley's & 33 
from Yareen's. April 29. — We left Doctr. Flagg's about 6 o'clock, and 
arrived at Captn. Wm. Alston's on the Waggamau [Waccamaw] to Break- 
fast. At Captn. Alston's we were met by General Moultree, Col° [William] 
Washington & Mr. Rutledge (son of the present Chief Justice of So. Caro- 
lina) who had come out that far to escort me to town. — We dined and lodged 
at this Gentlemans. " — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 30. 

At Georgetown, South Carolina : " April^O. — Boats being 
provided we crossed the Waggamau to Georgetown by de- 
scending the Eiver three miles — at this place we were reed. 



216 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

under a salute of Cannon, & by a Company of Infantry 
handsomely uniformed. — I dined with the Citizens in pub- 
lic ; and in the afternoon, was introduced to upwards of 50 
ladies who had assembled (at a Tea party) on the occasion." 
— Washington's Diary. 

" May 1. — Left Georgetown about 6 o'clock and crossing the Santee 
Creek at the Town, and the Santee Kiver 12 miles from it at Lynch's 
Island, we breakfasted and dined at Mrs. Horry's about 15 miles from 
Georgetown & lodged at the Plantation of Mr. Manigold [Manigault] about 
19 miles farther. — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, MAY 2. 

At Charleston, South Carolina : " May 2. — Breakfasted 
at the Country seat of Govr. [Charles] Pinckney about 18 
miles from our lodging place, & then came to the ferry at 
Haddrel's point, 6 miles further, where I was met by the 
Recorder of the City, Genl. [Charles Cotesworth] Pinckney 
& Edward Rutledge, Esqr. in a 12 oared barge rowed by 12 
American Captains of Ships, most elegantly dressed. — 
There were a great number of other Boats with Gentlemen 
and ladies in them ; — and two Boats with Music ; all of 
them attended me across, and on the passage were met by 
a number of others. — As we approached the town a salute 
with artillery commenced, and at the "Wharf I was met by 
the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Intendt. of the city; 
— the two Senators of the State [Pierce Butler and Ralph 
Izard], "Wardens of the City — Cincinnati, &c &c. and con- 
ducted to the Exchange where they passed by in ]>roct'Ssion 
— from thence I was conducted in like manner to my lodgings 
— after which I dined at the Governors (in what he called 
a private way) with 15 or 18 Gentlemen." — Washington's 
Diary. 

" May 3. — Breakfasted with Mrs. [John] Rutledge (the Lady of the Chief- 
Justice of the State who was on the Circuits) and dined with the Citizens 
at a public dinr. given by them at the Exchange. Was visited about 2 
o'clock, by a great number of the most respectable ladies of Charleston — 
the first honor of the kind I had ever experienced and it was as flattering as 



]791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 217 

it was singular. May 4. — Dined with the Members of the Cincinnati, and 
in the evening went to a very elegant dancing Assembly at the Exchange — 
At which were 256 elegantly dressed & handsome ladies. In the forenoon 
(indeed before breakfast to day) I visited and examined the lines of attack 
& defence of the City and was satisfied that the defence was noble & hon- 
orable altho' the measure was undertaken ijp:>n wrong principles and im- 
politic. May 5. — Visited the works of Fort Johnson James' Island, and 
Fort Moultree on Sullivan's Island; both of which are in Ruins. . . . 
Dined with a very large Company at the Governor's & in the evening went 
to a Concert at the Exchange at wch. there were at least 400 ladies the 
number & appearance of wch. exceeded any thing of the kind I had ever 
seen. May'Q. — Viewed the town on horseback by riding through most of 
the principal Streets Dined at Majr. [Pierce] Butler's and went to a Ball 
in the evening at the Governor's where there was a select Company of 
ladies. May 7. — Before break [fust] I visited the Orphan House at which 
there were one hundred & seven boys & girls — This appears to be a chari- 
table institution and under good management. May 8. — "Went to crowded 
Churches in the morning and afternoon. . . . Dined with General Moul- 
tree " — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, MAY 9. 

Leaves Charleston : " Mai/ 9. — At six o'clock I recom- 
menced my journey for Savanna; attended by a Corps of 
the Cincinnati and most of the principal Gentlemen of the 
City as far as the bridge over Ashley River, where we 
breakfasted, and proceeded to Col° W. "Washington's at 
Sandy-hill with a select party of particular friends — distant 
from Charleston 28 miles." — Washington's Diary. 

" May 10. — Took leave of all my friends and attendants at this place (ex- 
cept General Moultree & Majr. Butler the last of whom intended to accom- 
pany me to Savanna and the other to Purisburgh, at which I was to be met 
by Boats,) & breakfasting at Judge Bee's 12 miles from Sandy Hill, lodged 
at Mr. Obrian Smith's 18 or 20 further on. May 11. — After an early break- 
fast at Mr. Smith's we road 20 miles to a place called Pokitellieo [Pocotaligo] 
where a dinner was provided by the Parishoners of Prince "William for my 
reception, and an address from them was presented and answered. After 
dinner we proceeded 16 miles farther to Judge Hayward's where we lodged." 
— Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, MAY 12. 

At Savannah, Georgia: ^^ May 12. — By five o'clock we 
set out from Judge Hayward's, and rode to Purisburgh 22 



218 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

miles to breakfast. At that place I was met by Messrs. 
[Noble "Wimberly] Jones, Col" [Joseph] Habersham, Mr. 
Jno. Houston, Genl. [Lachlin] Mcintosh and Mr. [Joseph] 
Clay, a Comee. from the City of Savanna to conduct me 
thither. — Boats also were ordered there by them for my 
accommodation ; among which a handsome 8 oared barge 
rowed by 8 American Captns. attended. — In my way down 
the River I called upon Mrs. Green the Widow of the 
deceased Genl. [NathanaelJ Green, (at a place called Mul- 
berry Grove) & asked her how she did. . . . We were 
seven hours making the passage which is often performed 
in 4 tho' the computed distance is 25 miles — Illumns. at 
night. 

" I was conducted by the Mayor & Wardens to very good 
lodging which had been provided for the occasion, and par- 
took of a public dinner given by the Citizens at the Coftee 
Room. — At Purisburgh I parted with Genl. Moultree." — 
Washington'' s Diary. 

" May 13. — Dined -with the Members of the Cincinnati at a public dinner 
given at the same place — and in the evening went to a dancing Assembly at 
which there was about 100 well dressed and handsome ladies. May 14. — A 
little after 6 o'clociv, in Company with Genl. Mcintosh, Genl. [Anthony] 
Wayne, the Mayor and many others (principal Gentlemen of the City,) I 
visited the City, and the attack & defence of it in the year 1779, under the 
combined forces of France and the United States, commanded by the Count 
de Estaing & Genl. Lincoln. . . . Dined to day with a number of the Citi- 
zens (not less than 200) in an elegant Bower erected for the occasion on the 
Bank of the River below the Town. — In the evening there was a tolerable 
good displiiy of fireworks." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MAY 15. 

Leaves Savannah : " May 15. — After morning Service, 
and receiving a number of visits from the most respectable 
ladies of the place (as was the case yesterday) I set out for 
Augusta, Escorted beyd. the limits of the City by most of 
the Gentlemen in it, and dining at Mulberry Grove the 
Seat of Mrs. Green, — lodged at one Spencers — distant 15 
miles." — Washington'' s Diary. 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 219 

'■^ May 16. ^Breakfasted at Kussells — 15 miles from Spencer's— dined at 
Garnets 19 further & lodged at Pierces 8 miles more, in all — 42 miles to day. 
May 17. — Breakfasted at Spinner's 17 miles — dined at Lamberts 13 — and 
lodged at "Waynesborough (wch. was coming 6 miles out of the way) 14, in 
all 43 miles." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18. 

At Augusta, Georgia : ^^ May 18. — Breakfasted atTulcher's 
15 miles from Waynesborough ; and within 4 miles of Au- 
gusta met the Govor. [Edward Telfair], Judge [George] 
Walton, the Attorney Genl. & most of the principal Gentle- 
men of the place ; by whom I was escorted into the Town, 
& reed, under a discharge of Artillery, — the distance I came 
to day was about 32 miles — Dined with a large Company at 
the Governors, & drank Tea there with many well dressed 
Ladies." — Washington's Diary. 

'^ May 19. — Keceived & answered an Address from the Citizens of Au- 
gusta ; dined with a large Company of them at their Court Ho. — and went 
to an Assembly in the evening at the Accadamy ; at which there were be- 
tween 60 & 70 well dressed ladies. May 20. — Viewed the Kuins, or rather 
small Kemns. of the Works which had been erected by the British during 
the War and taken by the Americans. — Also the falls, which are about 2 
miles above the Town ; — and the Town itself. . . . Dined at a private din- 
ner with Govr. Telfair to day. May 21. — Left Augusta about 6 o'clock, 
and takg. leave of the Governor & principal Gentlemen of the place at the 
bridge over Savanna River, where they had assembled for the purpose, I 
proceeded in Company with Col"" [Wade] Hampton & Taylor, & Mr. Lith- 
gow a committee from Columbia, (who had come on to meet & conduct me 
to that place) «fe a Mr. Jameson from the Village of Granby on my Rout. 
Dined at a house about 20 miles from Augusta and lodged at one Odem about 

20 miles farther." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MAY 22. 

At Columbia, South Carolina : " May 22. — Rode about 

21 miles to breakfast, and passing through the village of 
Granby just below the first falls in the Congaree (which 
was passed in a flat bottomed boat at a Rope ferry,) I 
lodged at Columbia, the newly adopted Seat of the Gov- 
ernment of South Carolina about 3 miles from it, on the 



220 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

!N'o. side of the River, and 27 from my breakfasting stage." 

— Washington's Diary. 

" May 23. — Dined at a public dinner in the State house with a number of 
Gentlemen & Ladies of the Town of Columbia, & Country round about to 
the amt. of more than 150, of which 50 or 60 were of the latter. May 1^4. — 
The condition of my foundered horse obliged me to remain at this place, con- 
trary to my intention, this day also." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25. 

At Camden, South Carolina : " May 25. — Set out at 4 
o'clock for Camden — (the foundered horse being led slowly 
on) — breakfasted at au indifferent house 22 miles from the 
town, (the first we came to) and reached Camden about two 
o'clock, 14 miles further, when an address was reed. & 
answered. — Dined late with a number of Gentlemen & 
Ladies at a public dinner." — Washinyton's Diary. 

" May 26. — After viewing the british works about Camden I set out for 
Charlotte — on mj^ way — two miles from Town — I examined the ground on 
wch. Genl. Green & Lord Eawdon had their action [Hobkirk's Hill, April 
25, 1781] . . . Six miles further on I came to the ground where Genl. 
Gates & Lord Cornwallis had their Engagement [August 16, 1780] wch. 
terminated so unfavourably for the former. . . . After Halting at one Sut- 
ton's 14 m. from Camden I lodged at James Ingrams 12 miles father. May 
27. — Left Ingrams about 4 o'clock, and breakfasting at one Barr's 18 miles 
distant lodged at Majr. Crawford's 8 miles farther." — Washington's Diary. 

SATUKDAY, MAY 28. 

At Charlotte, North Carolina: ''May 28.— Set off from 
Crawford's by 4 o'clock and breakfasting at one Harrison's 
18 miles from it got into Charlotte 13 miles further, before 
3 o'clock, — dined with Genl. [Thomas] Polk and a small 
party invited by him, at a Table prepared for the purpose." 

— WashingtorCs Diary. 

" May 29. — Left Charlotte about 7 o'clock, dined at Col" Smiths 15 miles 
off, and lodged at Majr. Fifers [Phifer] 7 miles farther." — Washington's 
Diary. 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 221 

MONDAY, MAY 30. 

At Salisbury, North Carolina : " May 30. — At 4 o'clock 
I was out from Majr. Fifers ; and in about 10 miles at the 
line which divides Mecklenburgh from Rowan Counties ; I 
met a party of horse belonging to the latter who came from 
Salisbury to escort me on. ... I was also met 5 miles from 
Salisbury by the Mayor of the Corporation, Judge McKoy, 
& many others. . . . We arrived at Salisbury about 8 o'clock, 
to breakfast, — 20 miles from Captn. Fifers. . . . Dined at a 
public dinner givn. by the Citizens of Salisbury; & in the 
afternoon drank Tea at the same place with about 20 ladies, 
who had been assembled for the occasion." — Washington's 
Diary. 

TUESDAY, MAY 31. 

At Salem, ]!^orth Carolina: ''May 31. — Left Salisbury 
about 4 o'clock; at 5 miles crossed the Yadkin, the princi- 
pal stream of the Pedee, and breakfasted on the Xo. Bank, 
(while my Carriages & horses were crossing) at a Mr. 
Youngs' fed my horses 10 miles farther at one Reeds — and 
about 3 o'clock (after another halt) arrived at Salem, one 
of the Moravian towns 20 miles farther — In all 35 from 
Salisbury. . . . Salem is a small but neat village ; & like all 
the rest of the Moravian settlements, is governed by an ex- 
cellent police — having within itself all kinds of artizans — 
The number of Souls does not exceed 200." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'■^ June 1. — Spent the forenoon in visiting the Shops of the different 
Tradesmen — The houses of accomodation for the single men & Sisters of 
the Fraternity — & their place of worship. — Invited six of their principal 
people to dine with me — and in the evening went to hear them sing, & per- 
form on a variety of instruments Church music. In the Afternoon Gover- 
nor [Alexander] Martin as was expected (with his Secretary) arrived." — 
Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, .JUNE 2. 

At Guilford, North Carolina : " June 2. — In company 
with the Gov"" I set out by 4 Oclock for Guilford. — Break- 



222 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

fasted at one Dobsons at the distance of eleven Miles from 
Salem and dined at Guilford 16 miles farther ; where there 
was a considerable gathering of people who had receiv'd 
Xotice of my intention to be there to-day & came to satisfy 
their curiosity. ... On my approach to this place (Guilford) 
I was met by a party of light horse which I prevailed on the 
Governor to dismiss, and to countermand his orders for others 
to attend me through the State." — Washington's Diary. 



^^ June 3. — Took my leave of the Govern"' whose intention was to have 
attend me to the line, but for my request that he would not ; and about 4 
Oclock proceeded on my journey. — Breakfasted at troublesome Ironworks 
(called 15, but which is at least) 17 Miles from Guilford partly in Rain and 
from my information or for want of it was obliged to travel 12 miles further 
than I intended to daj^ — to one Gatewoods within two Miles of Dix' ferry 
over the Dan, at least 30 Miles from the Iron works. Jtme 4— Left ^M"^ 
Gatewoods about half after Six oclock — and between his house & the Ferry 
passed the line which divides the States of Virginia and N" Carolina & 
dining at one Wisoms 16 Miles from the Ferry lodged at Hallifax old Town. 
June 5. — Left the old Town about 4 oclock A.M. & breakfasting at one 
Pridie's (after crossing Banister River 1^ Miles) ab' 11 Miles from it, came 
to Staunton River about 12 ; where meeting Col» Isaac Coles (formerly a 
Member of Congress for this district &] who pressing me to it, I went to his 
house about one Mile off to dine and to halt a day, for the Refreshment of 
myself and horses ; leaving my Servants and them at one of the usually in- 
different Taverns at the Ferry that they might give no trouble, or be incon- 
venient to a private family. June 6. — Dined at this Gentlemans to day also. 
Jime 7. — Left Col" Coles by day break, and breakfasted at Charlotte C H" 
15 Miles where I was detained some time to get Shoes put on such horses as 
had lost them — proceeded afterwards to Prince Edward Court House 20 Miles 
further. June 8. — Left Prince Edward Court H" as soon as it was well liL^ht 
& breakfasted at one Treadways 13 Miles off, — dined at Cumberland C^ K" 
14 Miles further — and lodged at Moores Tavern within 2 miles from Carter's 
ferry over James River. June 9. — Set off very early from Moores — but the 
proper ferry boat being hauled up we were a tedious while crossing in one of 
the Boats used in the navigation of the River ; being obliged to carry one 
carriage at a time without horses & crossways the Boat on planks. — Break- 
fasted at a Widow pains 17 Miles on the N** side of the River, and lodged at 
a M" Jordans a private house where we were kindly entertained and to which 
we were driven by necessity having Rode not less than 25 miles from our 
breakfasting stage through very bad Roads in a very sultry day with^ anj' re- 
freshment & by missing the right Road had got to it." — Washington's Diary. 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 223 

FKIDAY, JUNE 10. 

At Fredericksburg, Virginia : ^^ June 10. — Left M" Jor- 
dans early & breakfasting at one Johnston's 7 miles o& 
reached Fredericksburgh after another (short) halt about 3 
oclock & dined and lodged at my Sister Lewis's." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

" June 11. — After a dinner with several Gentlemen whom my Sister had 
envited to dine with me I crossed the Rappahannock & proceeded to Stafford 
C House where I lodged. June 12. — About Sunrise we v/ere off— breal<- 
fasted at Dumfries and arrived at M' V° to Dine." — Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, JUNE 13. 

At Mount Vernon : " From Monday IS'*" until Monday 
the 27"* (being the day I had appointed to meet the Com- 
missioners under the Residence Act, at Georgetown) I re- 
mained at home ; and spent my time in daily Rides to my 
sever^ farms — and in receiving many visits." — Washington's 
Diary. 

'' June 27. — Left Mount Vernon for Georgetown before Six o'clock ; — and 
according to appointment met the Commissioners at that place by 9 — then 
calling together the Proprietors of those Lands on which the federal City 
was proposed to be built who had agreed to cede them on certain conditions 
at the last meeting I had with them at this place but from some misconcep- 
tion with respect to the extension of their grants had refused to make con- 
veyances and recapitulating the principles upon which my com"' to them at 
the former meeting were made and giving some explanations of the present 
State of matters & the consequences of delay in this business they readily 
waved their objections & ag'^ to convey t« the utmost extfMit of what was 
required. June 28. — Whilst the Commissioners were engaged in preparing 
the Deeds to be signed by the Subscribers this afternoon, I went out with 
Maj" L'Enfant and Ellicot to take a more perfect view of the ground, in 
order to decide finally on the Spots on which to place the public buildings— 
and to direct how a line which was to leave out a Spring (commonly known 
by the name of the Cool Spring) belonging to Maj'' Stoddart should be run. 
June 29. — The Deeds which remained unexecuted yesterday were signed to- 
day and the Dowers of their respective wives acknowledged according t<> 
Law. This being accomplished, I called the Several Subscribers together 
and made known to them the spots on which I meant to place the buildings 
for the P : & Executive departments of the Government — and for the Legis- 



224 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

lature of D" — A Plan was also laid before them of the City in order to convey- 
to them general ideas of the City — but they were told that some deviations 
from it would take place — particularly in the diagonal Streets or avenues, 
which would not be so numerous ; and in the removal of the Presidents 
house more westerly for the advantage of higher ground— they were also 
told that a Town house, or exchange w"* be placed on some convenient 
ground between the spots designed for the public build^^ before mentioned. — 
And it was with much pleasure that a general approbation of the measure 
seemed to pervade the whole." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, JUNE 30. 

At Frederick Town, Maryland : " June 30. — The business 
which bro* me to Georgetown being finished & the Com" 
instructed with respect to the mode of carrying the plan 
into effect I set off this morning a little after 4 oclock in 
the prosecution of my journey towards Philadelphia ; and 
being desirous of seeing the nature of the Country North 
of Georgetown, and along the upper Road, I resolved to 
pass through Fredericktown in Maryland — & York & Lan- 
caster in Pennsylvania & accordingly — Breakfasted at a 
small Village called Williamsburgh in which stands the C 
House of Montgomerie County 14 M from George Town — 
dined at one Peter's tavern 20 Miles further — and arrived 
at Frederick town about sundown — the whole distance 43 
miles." — Washington'' s Diary. 

" Frederick-Town July 5.— On Thursday evening last [June 30], at 
twenty-five minutes past seven o'clock, the President of the United States, 
accompanied by his secretary Major Jackson, arrived in this town from 
Mount Vernon, on his way to Philadelphia.— So sudden and unexpected 
was the visit of this amiable and illustrious character, as to leave it entirely 
out of the power of the citizens to make the necessary preparations for his 
reception. — On notice being given of his arrival, the bells of the Lutheran 
and Calvinist churches were rung — fifteen rounds from Cannon-Hill were 
discharged — and a band of music serenaded him in the evening. He was 
politely invited to spend the succeeding day in town ; but answered (as an 
apology for not accepting the invitation), that public business obliged him 
to hasten to Philadelphia. The next morning, at ten o'clock, he proceeded 
on his journey, escorted by several gentlemen, over the Monocosy, on his 
route to York. Previous to his departure, an address, drawn in great haste, 
v\'as presented to him : to which he was pleased to return an answer ; exhib- 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 225 

iting as usual, fresh proofs of his greatness and goodness." — Claypoole' s Daily 
Advertiser, July 9. 

FRIDAY, JULY 1. 

At Taneytown, Maryland : " July 1. — Received an ad- 
dress from the Inhabitants of Frederick town and abont 7 
o'clock left it — dined at one Cookerlys 13 miles off & 
lodged at Tawny town only 12 Miles farther — being de- 
tained at the first stage by Rain and to answer the address 
w"'' had been presented to me in the Morning. Tawny 
town is but a small place with only the Street through w"^ 
the Road passes, built on — the buildings are principally of 
wood." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, JULY 2. 

At Yorktown, Pennsylvania : " July 2. — Set out a little 
after 4 o'clock and in ab' 6 Miles crossed the line w'''' 
divides the States of Maryland & Pennsylvania — the Trees 
in w""" are so grown up th* I could not perceive the opening 
though I kept a lookout for it. — 9 Miles from Tawny town, 
Littletown is past, they are of similar app* but y* latter is 
more insignificant than the former. — Seven Miles farther 
we came to Hanover (commonly called McAlister's town) a 
very pretty village with a number of good brick Houses & 
Mechanics in it. At this place, in a good Inn, we break- 
fasted — and in 18 Miles more reached York Town where 
we dined and lodged. . . . After dinner in company with 
Col" [Thomas] Hartley & other Gentlemen I walked through 
the principal Streets of the Town and drank Tea at Col. 
Hartleys. — The C 11° was illuminated." * — Washington's 
Diary. 

*" Saturday last [July 2] the President of the United States arrived 
here [Yorktown] from Mount Vernon on his way to Philadelphia. His 
arrival which was about 2 o'clock was announced by the ringing of bells. 
The Independent Light Infantry, commanded by Capt. George Hay, 
paraded, and being drawn up before his Excellency's lodging fired fifteen 

15 



226 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

" On the 2nd. of July, 1791, in the afternoon, at 2 o'clk came the Hon- 
orable President Washington to York town ; all the bells of the town rang 
in honor of the event as if the voices of the Archangels sounding in harmony 
commanded attentitm. I could not repress my tears at the thought of all 
this, indeed I cried aloud, not from a sense of sadness, but from a feeling of 
very joj'fulness. In the evening, there was a general illumination, and in 
the Court House in each pane was set a light." — Rev. John Roth, Diary 
of the Moravian Congregation of Yorktown, Pennsylvania, MS. 

SUNDAY, JULY 3. 

At Lancaster, Pennsylvania: '•'• July 3. — Received and 
answered an address from the Inhabitants of Yorktown — 
& there being no Episcopal Minister jjreseni in the place, I 
went to hear morning Service performed in the Dutch re- 
formed Church — which, being in that language not a word 
of which I understood I was in no danger of becoming a 
proselyte to its religion by the eloquence of the Preacher. — 

" After Service, accompanied by Col" Hartley & half a 
dozen other Gentlemen, I set off for Lancaster — Dined at 
Wrights Ferry [Columbia] where I was met by Gen^ [Ed- 
ward] Hand & many of the principal characters of Lancas- 
ter & escorted to the town by them, arriving ab* 6 o'clock." 
— Washington's Diary. 

" Lancaster, July 3. — This evening at 6 o'clock, arrived here, on his re- 
turn from his Southern Tour, his Excellency the President of the United 
States, accompanied by Major Jackson. He was escorted from Wright's 
Ferry by a respectable number of the inhabitants of this borough." — Clay- 
poolers Daily Advertiser, July 12. 

MONDAY, JULY 4. 

At Lancaster : " July 4. — This being the Anniversary of 
American Independence and being kindly requested to do 
it, I agreed to halt here this day and partake of the enter- 
tainment which was preparing for the celebration of it. — In 

rounds. At night there were illuminations and every other demonstration 
of joy." — The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, July 6, 
1791. 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 227 

the forenoon I walked about the town — At half passed 2 
oclock I received, and answered an address from the Cor- 
poration and the Complim'° of the Clergy of diiferent de- 
nominations — dined between 3 & 4 oclock — drank Tea with 
M" Hand." — Washington's Diary. 

" July 12. — On Monday, July 4, being the Anniversary of American 
Independence, the Corporation [of Lancaster], at the particular request of 
the inhabitants, waited on him [the President] with an address : At three 
o'clock the President, and a very large number of citizens, set down to an 
elegant entertainment, provided for the occasion, in the court-house." — 
Claypoole's Daily Advertiser. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6. 

At Philadelphia : " July 7. — Yesterday the President of 
the United States arrived in this cit}-, on his return from 
his southern tour. His approach was announced to the 
citizens, by the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells." 
— Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20. 

At Philadelphia : " I yesterday had Mr. Jaudenes,* who 
was in this country with Mr. Gardoqui, and is now come 
over in a public character, presented to me for the first 
time by Mr. Jefiferson. Colonel Ternant is expected here 
every day as minister from France." — Washington to David 
Humphreys. 

Colonel Humphreys was at this time in Lisbon, having been appointed 
minister to Portugal on February 21. At the time of the appointment he 
was in London, having left the United States in August, 1790. Mr. Hum- 
phreys revisited this country in 1794, returned the following year, and soon 
afterward married Miss Bulkly, an English woman of fortune. He was 
transferred (May 20, 1796) from Lisbon to the court of Madrid, where he 
remained until succeeded by Charles Pinckney in 1802. 

* Don Joseph De Jaudennes was associated with Don Joseph De Viar, the 
Spanish minister, in the management of Spanish interests in the United 
States. He subsequently acted as commissioner and envoy from Spain. 



228 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9. 

At Philadelphia : " A slight indisposition, since my re- 
turn, (occasioned by a tumor, not much unlike the one I 
had at New York in 1789), of which I am now recovered, 
does not forbid the expectation, that my health may be 
ultimately improved by my tour through the southern 
States." — Washington to William Moultrie. 

THUESDAY, AUGUST 18. 

At Philadelphia: '■'■ August 20. — Thursday [August 18], 
the French and Spanish Ambassadors, together witli sev- 
eral other distinguished personages dined with the Presi- 
dent of the United States, and in the evening there was 
a small display of fire works exhibited nearly opposite 
the President's house, given by a few citizens in compli- 
ment to the Company." — Dunlap's American Daily Adver- 
tiser. 

" August 10. — Yesterday arrived in this city Mons. De Ternant, Minis- 
ter Plenipotentiary from his Most Christian Majesty to the United States of 
America, after a passage of 45 days from Rochefort, on board the frisjjate La 
Favorite. In his suite came Messieurs Dupont and Kellerman." * — Idem. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5. 

At Philadelphia : " September 5. — This afternoon went to 
the President's house on Market Street and there dined 
with him and his lady, and four members of his family, 
besides the following members of the [Pennsylvania] House 
[of Representatives] : Hon. William Bingham, Speaker, 
Messrs. [Richard] Wells, [Francis] Gurncy, [Lawrence] 
Seckel from the city; [William] Macpherson, [Thomas] 
Lilly, [Philip] Gardner, [Henry] Tyson, [Joseph] Reed, 



* Jean Baptiste Ternant served as major in the Revolutionary War under 
Baron Steuben (whom he accompanied to this country) until September 25, 
1778, when he was made lieutenant-colonel and inspector of the armies in 
Georgia and South Carolina. He was taken prisoner at Charleston in 1780, 
but was soon exchanged, and returned to France after the conclusion of 
peace. 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 229 

[David] Stewart, [Jonathan] Hoge, [John] Montgomery, 
[Samuel] Maclay, [John] White, [William] Findlay, [John] 
Baird, [Jacob] Ejerly, [Anthony] Lerch, [John] Mulhol- 
lan, [Adamsou] Tannehill, and Peter Lloyd, our clerk. I 
cannot help remarking that President Washington is an 
unassuming, easy and sociable man, beloved by every per- 
son." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

THUKSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. 

Leaves Philadelphia: ^^ September 19. — Thursday after- 
noon [September 15], the President left this city on a tour 
to Mount Vernon." — Claypoole's Dally Advertiser. 

The Viscount de Chateaubriand, who dined with the President the day 
before his departure for Mount Vernon, after describing in his " Travels in 
America and Italy," published in 1828, his first interview* with Washing- 
ton, refers to the dinner in the following words : " The conversation turned 
almost entirely on the French revolution. The general showed us a key of 
the Bastille : those keys of the Bastille were but silly playthings which wen; 
about that time distributed over the two worlds. Had Washington seen 
like me the conquerors of the Bastille in the kennels of Paris, he would have 
had less faith in the relic. The gravity and the energy of the revolution 
were not in those sanguinary orgies. At the time of the revocation of the 
edict of Nantt's, in 1685, the same populace of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine 
demolished the Protestant church at Charenton with as much zeal as it 
despoiled the church of St Denis in 1793. 

" I left my host at ten in the evening, and never saw him again : he set 
out for the country the following day, and I continued my journey. 

"Such was my interview with that man who gave liberty to a whole 
world. Washington sunk into the tomb before any little celebrity had at- 
tached to my name. I passed before him as the most unknown of beings ; 
he was in all his glory, I in the depth of my obscurity, my name probably 
dwelt not a whole day in his memory. Happy, however, that his looks were 
cast upon me.! I have felt myself warmed for it all the rest of my life. 
There is a virtue in the looks of a great man." 

* At this interview, upon perceiving the astonishment of the President 
when he stated that the object of his voyage was to discover the passage to 
the northwest by penetrating to the polar sea, Chateaubriand said, " But 
it is less difficult to discover the northwest passage than to create a nation as 
you have done." 



230 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBEK 19. 

At George Town : " George- Town, September 24. — MON"- 
DAY evening last [September 19] the PRESIDENT of 
the United States, his Lady, and Suite, arrived in this town 
from the Seat of Government, and on Tuesday took their 
departure for Mount Vernon." — Claypoole's Daily Adver- 
tiser, September 30. 

SATUKDAY, OCTOBER 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " From long experience I have laid 
it down as an unerring maxim, that to exact rents with 
punctuality is not only the right of the landlord, but that it 
is also for the benefit of the tenant that it should be so, 
unless by uncontrollable events and providential strokes 
the latter is rendered unable to pay them." — Washington to 
Robert Lewis. 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21. 

At Philadelphia : " October 22.— The President of the 
United States arrived in town yesterday, from Mount 
Vernon." — CtaypooWs Daily Advertiser. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25. 

At Philadelphia : " October 25. — At noon President "Wash- 
ington went to the Congress at the corner of Chestnut and 
Sixth Streets, and delivered his address [in the Senate 
Chamber] — yesterday being the first day of meeting of the 
Second Congress." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29. 

At Philadelphia : " October 29. — The Speaker of the House 
of Pepresentatives [Jonathan Trumbull] attended by the 
Members repaired to the President's house, and presented 
him with an answer to his address." — Dunlap's American 
Daily Advertiser. 



1791] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 231 

^^ November 1. — Yesterday [Monday, October 31] at twelve o'clock, the 
Vice-President attended by the Senate, repaired to the President's House, 
and presented him with an answer to his address." — Idem. 

FKIDAY, NOVEMBER 11. 

At Philadelphia : " November 15. — On Friday last [No- 
vember 11] Mr. Hammond was introduced to the President, 
by the Secretary of State, and presented his credentials as 
his Britannic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary to the 
United States." — Diinlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

George Hammond was the first minister from Great Britain to the United 
States. He married (May 20, 1793) Margaret Allen, daughter of Andrew 
Allen, of Philadelphia, a girl of remarl^able beauty. Mr. Hammond re- 
mained in this country until 1795, when he returned to England to become 
under-secretary at the foreign ofiice in London. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8. 

At Philadelphia : " This afternoon accounts received, 
which are believed, that General St. Clair's army has been 
defeated by the Indians. The action happened November 
4th, within fifteen miles of the Miami towns. Six hundred 
of our men killed and wounded. General [Richard] Butler 
and many officers among the slain." — Timothy Pickering to 
Mrs. Pickering. 

When the President received the news of the surprise and defeat of 
General St. Clair, it is said, on the authority of Colonel Lear,* who was 
present, that for a few moments he lost all control of himself, and with 
great violence of manner vehemently denounced the action of St. Clair in 
allowing himself to be surprised, — an event which he had been expressly 
cautioned against. The paroxysm of passion, however, lasted but a short 
time, when he regained his habitual composure. 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30. 

At Philadelphia : " January 3, 1792. — On Friday morn- 
ing [December 30, 1791] was presented to the President of 
the United States, a BOX elegantly mounted with silver, 

* " Washington in Domestic Life," by Richard Rush, p. 65. 



232 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1791 

and made of the celebrated oak tree that sheltered the 
Washington of Scotland, the brave and patriotic Sir 
"William Wallace, after his defeat at the battle of Falkirk, 
in the beginning of the fourteenth century, by Edward the 
Ist. This magnificent and truly characteristic present is 
from the Earl of Buchan, by the hands of Mr. Archibald 
Robertson, a Scotch gentleman, and portrait painter who 
arrived in America some months ago." — Claypoole's Daily 
Advertiser. 

At the request of the Earl of Buchan, Washington sat to Mr. Robertson 
for his portrait, to be placed among those most honored by the earl. The 
portrait obtained at these sittings was taken in miniature; it was retained 
by the artist, and a large painting executed from it was sent to the earl in 
May, 1792. 

A family dinner to which Mr. Robertson was invited i-s tlius described by 
him : " The dinner, served at three o'clock in the afternoon, was plain, but 
suitable for a family in genteel and comfortable circumstances. There was 
nothing specially remarkable at the table, but that the General and Mrs. 
"Washington sat side by side, he on the right of his lady ; the gentlemen on 
his right hand and the ladies on her left. It being on Saturday, the first 
course was mostly of eastern cod and fresh fish. A few glasses of wine were 
drunk during dinner, with other beverage ; the whole closed with a few 
glasses of sparkling champagne, in about three quarters of an hour, when 
the General and Colonel Lear retired, leaving the ladies in high glee about 
Lord Buchan and the ' Wallace box. ' ' ' 



1792. 



MONDAY, JANTJAKY 2. 

At Philadelphia : Receives and answers an address from 
the "Right Worshipful Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania." 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21. 

At Philadelphia : " February 24. — On Tuesday evening 
the 2l8t. inst. the city dancing assembly,* gave a ball in 
honor of the birth day of the President of the United 
States. They were honored on this occasion with the 
company of the President and Mrs. Washington, the Vice- 
President, the foreign Ministers, Mr. Speaker [Jonathan 
Trumbull] and most of the members of the two houses of 
Congress, the governor of the state [Thomas Mifflin], and 
of the Western Territory [Arthur St. Clair], together with 
many of the most respectable officers of the United States 
and of this state ; and to crown the whole with one of the 
most brilliant displays of beauty ever exhibited in this 
city." — Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 

At Philadelphia : " February 23. — Yesterday both Houses 
of Congress walked in Procession to wait on the President 
of the United States to congratulate him on the anniversary 
of his Birth Day. . . . The officers of the militia of the 

■* This social organization, which dates back to 1748, is still in existence, 
its members meeting twice during the winter for the enjoyment of dancing. 
In the early days the balls were given every Thursday evening from Janu- 
ary to May, beginning at six and ending at twelve o'clock. Now they begin 
at twelve. 

233 



234 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1792 

City, Liberties and Districts of Philadelphia paid their re- 
spects in a body and there was also a military parade, with 
firing of guns and ringing of bells." — Dunla'p's American 
Daily Advertiser. 

'■'■ February 2b. — The entertainment given last Wednesday evening [Feb- 
ruary 22], by the New City Dancing Assembly,* in honor of the President's 
birth day, was remarkable, we hear, for a brilliant display of beauty, taste 
and elegance. The President and a number of oflBcers of the government 
attended. ' ' — Idem. 

" February 25. — On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the 21st and 22d 
instants, the two Dancing assemblies gave each, successively, a Ball, in 
honor of this anniversary — at both of which were present, the President of 
the United States, his Lady and Family — the Vice-President of the United 
States — the Heads of Departments — the Foreign Ministers— the Speaker, 
and most of the Members of the two Houses of Congress — the Governor of 
the State — the Governor of the Western Territory — and many other respect- 
able Officers of the United States, and of this Commonwealth — and to crown 
all, there was as brilliant a display of Beauty as was ever exhibited in this 
city. Elegant entertainments succeeded, when a variety of sentimental and 
patriotic Toasts were given." — Gazette of the United States. 

FRIDAY, MAPvCH 23. 

At Philadelphia : " March 26.— Friday last [March 23] 
the Indian Warriors lately arrived in this city [March 15], 
had an audience of the President of the United States." — 
Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

The Indian warriors received by the President consisted of fifty chiefs 
from the Northern tribes of the Six Nations, f among whom was the cele- 
brated orator Sa-go-ya-wat-ha (He iceeps them awake), better known as 
Red Jacket. In his address to them the President said, ♦' You have been 
invited to this place by Colonel Pickering, at my special request, in order 
to remove all causes of discontent ; to devise and adopt plans to promote 
your welfare, and firmly to cement the peace between the United States 
and you, so that in future we shall consider ourselves brethren indeed. I 
assure you that I am desirous that a firm peace should exist not only be- 
tween the United States and the Five Nations, but also between the United 

* A distinct and separate association from the one of a similar character 
referred to under date of February 21, and probably of short duration, 
t The Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas, and Tuscaroras, 



1792] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 235 

States and all the Nations of this land— and that this peace should be 
founded upon the principles of justice and humanity, as upon an immovable 
rock, that you may partake of all the comforts of this earth, which can be 
derived from civilized life, enriched by the possession of industry, virtue 
and knowledge." 

It was during this visit to Philadelphia that the President presented to 
Ked Jacket a large silver medal, on the principal side of which was engraved 
a design representing Washington in uniform and standing, having just 
given the calumet of peace to an Indian chief, who is smoking it. The re- 
verse bore the United States shield on the breast of the American eagle dis- 
played, and over his head a glory breaking through a cloud and surrounding 
thirteen stars. This silver memento, known as the "Ked Jacket Medal," 
which is still in existence, is interesting as being the first presentation of the 
kind on the part of the Federal government that we are aware of. 

MONDAY, APRIL 2. 

At Philadelphia : Under this date, Edward Thornton, 
secretary to Mr. George Hammond, the British minister, 
in writing to Sir James Bland Burges, drew the following 
character of Washington. 

" Philadelphia, April 2, 1792. — I promised you in a former letter a de- 
scriptit)n of the President of the United States, General Washington. Con- 
scious as I am of the diflBculty and danger of describing again what has 
been so often described before, 1 will yet attempt to convey to you my idea 
of him. His person is tall and sufficiently graceful; his face well-formed, 
his complexion rather pale, with a mild philosophic gravity in the expres- 
sion of it. In his air and manner he displays much natural dignity; in his 
address he is cold, reserved, and even phlegmatic, though without the least 
appearance of haughtiness or ill-nature ; it is the effect, I imagine, of consti- 
tutional diffidence. That caution and circumspection which form so striking 
and well-known a feature in his military, and indeed in his political charac- 
ter, is very strongly marked in his countenance, for his eyes retire inward 
(do you understand me ?) and have nothing of fire of animation or openness 
in their expression. If this circumspection is accompanied by discernment 
and penetration, as I am informed it is, and as I should be inclined to be- 
lieve from the judicious choice he has generally made of persons to fill jiublic 
stations, he possesses the two great requisites of a statesman, the faculty of 
concealing his own sentiments and of discovering those of other men. A 
certain degree of indecision, however, a want of vigour and energy, may be 
observed in some of his actions, and are indeed the obvious result of too re- 
fined caution. He is a man of great but secret ambition, and has.sometimes, 
I think, condescended to use little arts, and those, too, very shallow ones, to 
secure the object of that ambition. He is, I am told, indefatigable in busi- 



236 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1792 

iiess, and extremely clear and systematic in the arrangement of it ; his time 
is regularly divided into certain portions, and the business allotted to any 
one portion rigidly attended to. Of his private character I can say little 
positive. I have never heard of any truly noble, generous, or disinterested 
action of his ; he has very few who are on terms of intimate and unreserved 
friendship; and what is worse he is less beloved in his own State (Virginia) 
than in any part of the United States. After all, he is a great man, circum- 
stances have made him so ; but I cannot help thinking that the misconduct 
of our commanders has given him a principal part of that greatness." * 

SATURDAY, MAY 5. 

At Philadelphia: " I am much pleased to hear, that the 
picture by Colonel Trumbull gives so much satisfaction. 
The merit of this artist cannot fail to give much pleasure 
to those of his countrymen, who possess a taste for the fine 
arts ; and I know of no part of the United States, where it 
would be put to a stronger test than in South Carolina." — 
Washington to William Moultrie. 

"The picture by Colonel Trumbull," referred to in the above-quoted 
letter, was a full-length portrait of Washington in military costume, stand- 
ing by a horse, painted from life at Philadelphia, in 1792, for the city of 
Charleston, South Carolina. The picture is still owned by the city. The 
resolution of the City Council requesting the President to sit to Colonel 
Trumbull was passed May 7, 1791, at the time he was in Charleston, during 
his southern tour. The resolution is as follows: ^^ Resolved unanimously, 
that his Honor the Intendant in behalf of the City Council and their con- 
stituents, be desired to request of George "Washington, Esquire, President of 
the United States, that he will be pleased, when it is convenient to him, to 
permit his portrait to be taken by Colonel Truml>ull, in order that it may be 
placed in the City Hall, as the most lasting testimony of their attachment 
to his person, to commemorate his arrival in the Metropolis of this State, 
and to hand down to posterity the resemblance of the man to whom they are 
indebted for the blessings of Peace, Liberty and Independence." 

THURSDAY, MAY 10. 

Leaves Philadelphia: " May 11. — The President of the 
United States, yesterday left this city, on a journey to the 
Southward." — The Aurora. 

* Selections from the "Letters and Correspondence of Sir James Bland 
Surges, Bart., sometime Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs," 
edited by James Hutton. London, 1885. 



1792] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 237 

SATUKDAY, MAY 19. 

At Mount Vernon : " My family now Howell * is ad- 
mitted into it, will be more than full, and in truth than is 
convenient for the House, as Mr. [Bartholomew] Dan- 
dridge f (a nephew of Mrs. Washington) is already one of 
it, and but one room for him, Howell and another person 
to sleep in, all the others being appropriated to public or 
private uses." — Washington to Charles Carter. 

FRIDAY, JUNE 1. 

At Philadelphia : " June 1.— The President of the United 
States has arrived in this city from the Southward." — Dan- 
lap's American Daily Advertiser. 

" Since his [the President's] return from Virginia, prior to which journey 
he had desired me to forward a packet for Sir Isaac Heard X which I ad- 
dressed to you, or to Mr. Boyd for you, by the ship George Barclay ., since 
that time I have been honoured by an invitation to dine with him. Except 
in the honour, believe me there is nothing pleasant in the circumstance, for 
it is of all others the most dull and unentertaining. The President's reserve, 
the effect partly I think of pride, partly of constitutional diffidence, throws 
a restraint on the whole party. The conversation was in consequence un- 
commonly phlegmatic and trivial, though as the party contracted into a 
smaller circle, the Secretary of State's strictures on monarchs began to throw 
a certain portion of animation into it. This gentleman (Thomas Jefierson) 
is, or affects to be, a most rigid republican ; a warm admirer of Thomas 
Paine, and a vigorous stickler for revolutions and for the downfall of all 
aristocracy. The death of the King of Sweden [Gustavus III.] made it 
extremely probable, he said, that there would be a revolution in that country 
during the minority of his successor. 

'• The most dignified character in thi.^ country (Washington) has a good 
deal of (I cannot call it republicanism, for he affects state, he loves to be 
treated with great respect, and (by the by) is not a little flattered, I con- 
ceive, by the particular attention of Mr. Hammond not to visit him but in 

* Howell Lewis, son of Washington's sister Betty. 

t Son of Judge Bartholomew Dandridge, a brother of Mrs. Washington. 
He died in 1802, while consul at San Domingo. 

+ This packet, under date of May 2, 1792, contained particulars respecting 
the Washington family in Virginia, for which Sir Isaac Heard, Garter 
Principal King of Arms, had written to the President. This history of the 
American branch will be found in Sparks, vol. i. p. 547. 



238 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1792 

full dress, but of) a certain dislike to monarchy. If Kings were Presi- 
dents, or if the President were a King, I believe that aversion would cease. 
At present he cannot but conceive himself much inferior in dignity and 
importance to any of them. "When he travels, it is in a very kingly style; 
for on his last journey he foundered five horses, and 1 am informed that his 
secretaries are not admitted into his carriage, but stand with their horses' 
bridles in their hands till he is seated, and then mount and ride before his 
carriage." — Edward Thornton to Sir James Bland Surges, Bart., June 11, 
1792. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 5. 

At Philadelphia : " June 5. — "We have authority to inform 
the Public, that the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES 
intends to honor the Theatre with his Presence this Even- 
ing.'' * — Danlap's American Daily Adveriiser. 

" June 8. — "We hear, that on Tuesday last [June 6], the President of the 
United States and hi.s Lady, attended by the Secretary of State, and the 
Secretary of the Treasury and his Lady, honoured Mr. Pearce with a visit 
to his Cotton Manufactory [No. 13 Penn Street]. — The President atten- 
tively viewed the Machinery &c. and .saw the business performed in its 
difterent branches, which met with his warmest approbation." — Idem. 

THUKSDAY, JUNE 21. 

At Philadelphia : " In the course of last winter, I had 
some of the chiefs of the Cherokees in this city, and in the 
spring I obtained, with some difficulty indeed, a full repre- 
sentation of the Six Nations to come hither. I have sent 
all of them away well satisfied, and fully convinced of the 
justice and good dispositions of this government towards 
the Indian nations generally. . . . With difficulty still 
greater, I have brought the celebrated Joseph Brant 
[Thayendanegea] to this city, with a view to impress him 
also with the equitable intentions of this government 
towards all the nations of his color. He only arrived last 

* " For the Benefit of Mons. Placide. BY AUTHOKITY. By the Old 
American Company, at the Theatre in Southwark. This Evening, June 5, 
Will be presented a COMEDY, Called— The Beaux Stratagem. End of 
the Play, DANCING on the TIGHT KOPE, By Monsieur Placidk and 
the Little Devil." — Dunlap's American Dally Advertiser, June 5. 



1792] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 239 

night,* and I am to give him an audience at twelve this 
day." — Washington to Gouvemeur Morris. 

The policy of the first President toward the Indians was, if possible, to 
attach them to the interests of the United States, and at the same time to 
persuade them to exchange the savage state for one of civilization. To 
carry out this design it was thought that no better plan could be adopted 
than to impress upon them the habits of industry and the cultivation of 
their lands. In concluding an address (January 19, 1791) to Cornplanter, 
Halftown, and Great-Tree, three chiefs of the Seneca Nation, at that time 
on a visit to the seat of government, "Washington said, " Yuu may, when 
you return from this city to your own country, mention to your nation my 
desire to promote their prosperity, by teaching them the use of domestic 
animals, and the manner that the white people plough and raise so much 
corn ; and if, upon consideration, it would be agreeable to the nation at 
large to leam these arts, I will find some means of teaching them at such 
places within their country as shall be agreed upon." 

TUESDAY, JULY 3. 

At Philadelphia : " Your letter of the 20th ultimo was 
presented to me hy Mr. Williams, who as a professional 
man may or may not be, for aught I know, a luminary of 
the first magnitude. But to be frank, and I hope you will 
not be displeased with me for being so, I am so heartily 
tired of the attendance, which, from one cause or another 
has been given to these people, that it is now more than 
two years since I have resolved to sit no more for an}^ of 
them, and have adhered to it, except in instances where it 
has been requested by public bodies, or for a particular pur- 
pose (not of the painters), and could not without offence be 
refused." — Washington to Henry Lee. 

Notwithstanding this refusal, Mr. Williams persevered in his purpose, 
and, acting upon the hint conveyed in the above-quoted letter, otfered to 
compliment the Alexandria Washington Lodge, No. 22, with a portrait of 
the President, provided the Lodge would apply to him for that purpose. 

* " Jtine 21. — Arrived yesterday Evening in this City, Escorted by Colonel 
Thomas Proctor, and Major Stagg, Col. Joseph Brandt, the celebrated 
Chief of the Six Nations of the Northern Indians." — Dunlap's A^nerican 
Daily Advertiser. 



240 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1792 

This offer was brought before the Lodge at a meeting held August 29, 1793, 
and, being received with favor, the application was ordered to be made. 

Being thus armed, Mr. Williams met with better success, and obtained a 
sitting fi'om the President in September, 1794.* This portrait, a half-length, 
is still in the possession of the Alexandria Lodge ; it represents Washington 
as a Mason, with the collar and jewel of a Past Master, and amounts so 
nearly to a caricature (judging from the print after it by O'Neill) f that it 
would seem the President, in refusing the original application, must have 
hud some inkling as to the lack of artistic powers on the part of Mr. 
Williams. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4. 

At Philadelphia: '-'■ July h. — Yesterday, being the anni- 
versary of the political birth-day of our country, was ush- 
ered in with every demonstration of joy due to the occasion, 
which gave freedom to a world — Congratulations, becoming 
freemen governed by equal laws, were expressed with a 
cordiality, which freemen only can feel — Bells and cannon 
but feebly proclaimed the sentiments of citizens, who, con- 
scious of the advantages which result from political and 
religious liberty, revere the return of that day, on which 
they emerged from the horrors of servitude to the blessing.s 
of Independence." — Diinlap^s American Daily Advertiser. 

"Among the offerings to the altar of Freedom — we beheld with sincere 
satisfaction the homage paid by all orders of men to the Military Defender-, 
and Civil Guardian of his country. Congratulations were offered to thrt 
President of the United States by the foreign Ministers — the officers of thi- 
militia, and many respectable citizens. The Society of the Cincinnat. 
headed by their President [Thomas Mifflin] and Vice President [Thomii ■ 
McKean] (the Governor and Chief Justice of the State) went in processio.. 
to pay their respects to the President of the United States." — Idem. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11. 

Leaves Philadelphia: '-^ July 18. — This day se'nnight 
the President of the United States and his Lady, left this 

* On the back of the portrait is the following inscription : " His Excel- 
lency George Washington Esquire President of the United States, aged 64 
— Williams Pinxit ad vivum in Philadelphia, September 18, 179-}.'' 

f See Baker's " Engraved Portraits of Washington," p. 104. 



1792] WASHINGTON AFTER THE BE VOLUTION. 241 

city, on a tour to Mount Vernon." — Duiilap's American 
Daily Advertiser. 

SUNDAY, JULY 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " At present all my business public 
and private is on my own shoulders ; the two young gen- 
tlemen [Howell Lewis and Bartholomew Dandridge], who 
came home with me, being on visits to their friends, and 
my nephew, the Major [George Augustine Washington], 
too much indisposed to aftbrd me any aid." — Washington to 
Alexander Hamilton. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " Since the date of my last despatch 
to you of the P' instant, I have received your letters of the 
26"" and 30"* ultimo." — Washington to Alexandei' Hamilton. 

From Alexander Hamilton's Letter. — " I received the most sincere pleas- 
ure at finding in our last conversation, that there was some relaxation in 
the disposition you had before discovered to decline a reelection. Since 
your departure, I have lost no opportunity of sounding the opinions of per- 
sons, whose opinions were worth knowing, on these two points; first, the 
effect of your declining upon the public affairs, and upon your own reputa- 
tion ; secondly, the effect of your continuing, in reference to the declara- 
tions you have made of your disinclination to public life. And I can truly 
say, that I have not found the least difference of sentiment on either point. 
The impression is uniform, that your declining would be to be deplored as 
the greatest evil that could befall the country at the present juncture, and 
as critically hazardous to your own reputation ; that your continuance will 
be justified in the mind of every friend to his country by the evident neces- 
sity for it. ... I trust, Sir, and I pray God, that you will determine to 
make a further sacrifice of your tranquility and happiness to the public 
good. I trust, that it need not continue above a year or two more. And I 
think, that it will be more eligible to retire from oflSce before the expiration 
of the term of election, than to decline a reelection." — Philadelphia,, July 30. 

Thomas Jefferson also, in writing to Washington on the same subject, 
under date of May 23, said, " The confidence of the whole Union is centred 
in you. Your being at the helm will be more than an answer to ever}' 
argument which can be used to alarm and lead the people in any quarter 
into violence or secession. North and south will hang together, if they 
have you to hang on ; and, if the first corrective of a numerous representa- 

16 



242 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1792 

tion should fail in its effect, your presence will give time for trying others 
not inconsistent with the union and peace of the States." 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26. 

At Mount Vernon : " With respect, however, to the in- 
teresting subject treated in your letter of the 5th instant, I 
can express but one sentiment at this time, and that is a 
wish, a devout one, that, whatever my ultimate determina- 
tion shall be, it may be for the best. The subject never 
recurs to my mind but with additional poignancy; and, 
from the declining state of the health of my nephew, to 
whom my concerns of a domestic and private nature are 
entrusted, it comes with aggravated force. But as the All- 
wise Disposer of events has hitherto watched over my 
steps, I trust, that, in the important one I may soon be 
called upon to take, he will mark the course so plainly, as 
that I cannot mistake the way." — Washington to Ednamd 
Randolph. 

From Edmund Randolph's Letter. — " Permit me, then, in the fervor of a 
dutiful and affectionate attachment to you, to heseech you to penetrate the 
consequences of a dereliction of the reins. The constitution would never 
have been adopted, hut from a knowledge that you had once sanctioned it, 
and an expectation that you would execute it. It is in a state of probation. 
The most inauspicious struggles are past, but the public deliberations need 
stability. You alone can give them stability. You suffered yourself to 
yield when the voice of your country summoned you to the administration. 
Should a civil war arise, you cannot stay at home. And how much easier 
will it be to disperse the factions, which are rushing to this catastrophe, 
than to subdue them after they shall appear in arms? It is the fixed 
opinion of the world, that you surrender nothing incomplete." — Philadel- 
phia.! August 5. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. 

At Mount Vernon : Issues a proclamation respecting the 
opposition to the excise laws imposing a tax on domestic 
distilled spirits.* 

* The proclamation was sent to Thomas Jefferson, at Monticello, for his 
signature, and then published at Philadelphia, September 27. 



1792] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 243 

The excise law of the 3d of March, 1791, was extremely offensive to the 
people in many parts of the country, but especially to the inhabitants of 
Pennsylvania west of the Alleghany Mountains, whiskey at that time being 
their most important item of trade. Soon after the publication of the law 
public meetings were held in the counties of Fayette, Alleghany, West- 
moreland, and Washington, at which the law was denounced as inimical to 
the interests of the country, and at a meeting in Pittsburgh, August 21, 
1792, resolutions were passed recommending that no intercourse or dealings 
should be held with any one who had accepted or might accept an oflBce to 
carry out the provisions of the act ; and that all aid, support, or comfort 
should be withheld from them. In course of time this movement assumed 
an organized form, which finally culminated in armed opposition and violence. 

The proclamation earnestly admonished and exhorted all persons to refrain 
and desist from combinations to obstruct the operation of the law, " inasmuch 
as all lawful ways and means will be strictly put in execution for bringing to 
justice the infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto." 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " Georgetown^ October 1. — I called at 
Gunstonhall, the proprietor [George Mason] just recovering 
from a dreadful attack of the colic. ... I proceeded to 
Mount Vernon & had a full free & confidential conversation 
with the President. . . . He declares himself quite unde- 
cided about retiring, desirous to do so, vet not decided if 
strong motives against it exist." — Thomas Jefferson to James 
Madison. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7. 

At Mount Vernon : " As Mrs. Washington and myself 
expect to set out to-morrow for Philadelphia, I have taken 
advantage of the good opportunity aftbrded by Mr. Robert 
Lewis of sending Harriot [Washington] to Fredericks- 
burg." — Washington to Mrs. Betty Lewis. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13. 

At Philadelphia : " October 15.— The President of the 
United States, his Lady, and Family, arrived here on Satur- 
day afternoon [October 13], from Mount Vernon." — Dun- 
lap's American Daily Advertiser. 



244 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1792 

" In the year 1790, the Federal Government removed from New York to 
Philadelphia, for a ten years residence, and to give time to prepare the City 
uf Washington for a permanent location. I came two years after, with my 
lather's family, to fix myself for life in Philadelphia. Living in the same 
town, I had frequent opportunities of seeing the President, and attending his 
reception days in the morning, and those of Mrs. "Washington in the even- 
ing : a pleasure of which I availed myself for several years ; and, at the 
opening of Congress, which the President did in person, I was always a 
spectator. On these occasions he went in state, drawn in a coach by four 
horses ; and taking the Vice President's chair in the Senate Chamber, where 
the House of Eepresentatives was assembled, he read his Speech His suc- 
cessor, John Adams, followed this custom. But Jefferson, dispensing with 
personal attendance, sent his speech, in the form of a Message, to both 
houses ; a mode which has been in use ever since ; and is, no doubt an im- 
provement, because it has put an end to long and angry speeches in each 
house, when the answer to the President was under debate. A message re- 
quiring no answer, that cause of contention, often protracted for days, was 
happily laid aside. 

"Washington's stables in Minor Street,* contained some of the finest 
horses in the Union, both for carriage and saddle. The sixteen stalls were 
generally filled. He inspected them every morning, and thus insured good 
grooming and care. Those stables were shown by me to all strangers under 
my guidance ; being, as I always thought, one of the most attractive sights 
in the City. I have seen the President in his large white coach start from 
his door, with six of those splendid horses, driven by a coachman and two 
postillions, suitably dressed in livery. His rides for health and recreation 
were very often to Belmont, the country seat of Judge Kichard Peters, who 
had been his friend and intimate acquaintance during the long war of the 
Kevolution. The gardens at Belmont, on the right bank of the Schuylkill 
about five miles from town, are remarkable for their umbrageous and retired 
walks ; where the Fir-trees, Hemlocs and Pines, cast their deep shades, from 
trees of one hundred years growth. There it was the great man sought re- 
laxation from the cares of Government. A tree must still stand in those 
grounds which he planted with his own hands ; it was pointed out to me by 
one of the familj-. . . . 

" Washington's personal presence was majestic. Six feet high and finely 
proportioned ; no individual of his day was so remarkable for dignity and 
grace in deportment when in public. At the receptions, his manners were 
«o engaging and affable, yet exercised with discrimination, that it pleased 
and contented every one. Sir Eobert Liston, the British Minister, was so 
surprized, that he said to his friends : ' I have read much about this great 
'nan ; but no passage in his history prepared me to see such commanding 

* A small street extending from Fifth to Sixth Street, directly in the rear 
of the President's house. 



1792] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 245 

dignity in person and behavior.' Beloved Man! Can the bosom of an 
American suppress its pride when your story is told ? Can it calm the glow- 
ing, — the tender aitection, the heart-felt gratitude, which the recollection of 
your services awakens ? No, Never ! Never !" * — MS. of Samuel Breck. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6. 

At Philadelphia : " November 7. — Yesterday the Presi- 
dent of the United States met both Houses of the National 
Legislature in the Senate Chamber and delivered his 
speech." t — Danlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

Dr. Ashbel Green, chaplain of Congress from November 5, 1792, until 
the seat of government was removed from Philadelphia to Washington City, 
has left us in his "Reminiscences" the following description of Washing- 
ton's manner of delivering his speech at the opening of Congress : 

" There was more of the indefinable quality called presence in President 
Washington than any other person I have ever known. In his general 
manners he was eminently courteous and kind ; and yet to the last, I could 
never speak to him without feeling a degree of embarrassment such as I 
have never felt in the presence of any other individual, man or woman, with 
whom I was well acquainted. In his observance of appointments he was 
punctiliously exact. After I was chaplain, I believe I was present at all his 
speeches on the opening of a session of congress ; for the custom of sending 
a message to congress, which was introduced by Mr. Jefferson, was then 
unknown. Twelve o'clock at noon, was the usual hour agreed on for bis 
opening speech, and in no instance did he fail in a punctual attendance at 
that hour ; indeed, he commonly crossed the threshold of the door where 
the congress sat, exactly when the clock was striking the hour of twelve. 
The two houses always assembled to receive him in the senate chamber.J 

* From a " Sketch of General George Washington," by Samuel Breck, of 
Philadelphia, forming part of the contents of a manuscript volume entitled 
" Sketches of Members of the American Philosophical Society personally 
known to the Writer." The sketches, twenty in number, were written by 
Mr. Breck in the summer of 18B2. Samuel Breck was born in Boston, July 
17, 1771, and died at Philadelphia, September 1, 1862. He was a member of 
the Pennsylvania Legislature for many years, and a member of Congress 

1823-25. 

f " November 6, 1792. — About noon fifteen guns were fired at corner of 
Ninth and Market Streets because the President delivered his address to 
Congress, which met yesterday." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

X This is an error. On three occasions — November 19, 1794, December 8, 
1795, and December 7, 1796 — the President read his speech to Congress in 
the hall of the House of Representatives. 



246 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1792 

When he entered, all the members of both houses rose from their seats, and 
stood up until he had taken his seat, which he did immediately after bowing 
to his audience. When he was seated, he looked around on the audience 
for a minute or two, and then took out his spectacles from a common red 
morocco case, and laid them on his knee, and then took from his side-pocket 
his written speech. After putting on his spectacles he rose and began his 
address, which he read closely. He read distinctly and audibly, but in no 
other respect was his reading excellent. Dr. Witherspoon had heard George 
the Third deliver one of his speeches to the British parliament, which he 
said was in the very best style of elocution. This could not be said of the 
speeches of Washington ; his elocution had no glaring fault, and no high 
excellence." 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9. 

At Philadelphia : " November 10. — Yesterday (Friday) 
the Members of the Senate waited on the President of the 
United States, at his own house, with an answer to his 
speech to both Houses of Congress." — Dunlap's American 
Daily Advertiser. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11. 

At Philadelphia : " The mulberry trees may be planted 
about in clumps, as mentioned in my letter by last post to' 
the gardener. They are not trimmed, because, as I am in- 
formed, these trees may be propagated by cuttings from 
them, and save me the trouble and expense of sending more 
from this place. With respect to the shrubs from Mr. 
Bartram's botanical garden, directions at the foot of the list 
are given so fully, as to render it unnecessary to add anght 
concerning them in this letter ; but the grapes the gardener 
must take particular care of, as they are of a very fine 
kind." — Washington to Anthony Whiting. 

While Washington was absent from home, discharging the duties of 
President of the United States, it was his custom to exact from the manager 
at Mount Vernon, once in each week, a full report of the proceedings on all 
the farms. These were regularly answered each week by the President, and 
sometimes oftener. His letters frequently filled two or three sheets closely 
written. The importance he attached to these letters, and his diligence in 
preparing them, may be understood from the fact that he first made rough 



1792] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 247 

drafts, which were copied out by himself in a fair hand before they were sent 
off. Press copies were then taken, which he preserved. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBEK 12. 

At Philadelphia : On this day the Speaker (Jonathan 
Trumbull), preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms and attended 
by the members of the House of Representatives, waited 
on the President with an answer to his speech to both 
Houses of Congress. 

THUESDAY, DECEMBER 13. 

At Philadelphia : " December 13. — The President called 
on me to see the model and drawings of some mills for 
sawing stone. After showing them, he in the course of 
a subsequent conversation asked me if there was not some 
good manufactories of porcelain in Germany ; that he was 
in want of table china, and had been speaking to Mr. Shaw, 
who was going to the East Indies to bring him a set, but he 
found that it would not come till he shoiild no longer be in a 
situation to ivant if. He took occasion a second time to ob- 
serve that Shaw said it would be two years at least before 
he could have the china here, before which time he said he 
should be where he should not want it. I think he asked 
the question about the manufactories in Germany merely to 
have an indirect opportunity of telling me he meant to 
retire, and within the limits of two years." — Jefferson Anas. 



« 



1793- 



WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9. 

At Philadelphia : " January 9. — "With three of my daugh- 
ters and some of their friends, went on the roof of the 
small building Southwest corner Ninth and Market Streets 
and saw Mr. Blanchard take his aerial flight out of the 
prison yard [Sixth and Walnut Streets]. Cannon fired 
from daylight to the time of his departure, between ten 
and eleven o'clock A.M." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

" January/ 10.— Mr. BLANCHARD, the bold Aeronaut, agreeably to 
his advertisement, at five minutes past ten o'clock yesterday morning rose 
with a Baloon from the Prison Court in this city, in presence of an immense 
concourse of spectators, there assembled on the occasion. ... As soon as the 
clock had struck 10 everything being punctually ready, Mr. Blanchard took 
a respectful leave of all the spectators, and received from the hands of the 
President a paper,* at the same time the President spoke a few words to this 
bold adventurer, who immediately leap'd into his boat which was painted blue 
and spangled ; the baloon was of a yellowish color'd-silk highly varnished, 
over which there was a strong net work — Mr. Blanchard was dressed in a 
plain blue suit, a cock'd hat and white feathers. . . . 

" About half after 6 o'clock last evening we were happy to meet Mr. 
Blanchard again in this city going to pay his respects to the President of the 
United States. — He informed us, that his aerial voyage ^lasted forty-six min- 
utes, in which time he ran over a space of more than 15 miles and then de- 
scended a little to the eastward of Woodbury in the state of New Jersey — 
where he took a carriage and returned to Cooper's ferry — and was at the 
President's, as we have already mentioned at half past six o'clock last even- 
ing." — Dunlap^s American Daily Advertise?: 

* The paper received from the President was in the nature of an endorse- 
ment or protection, with a request that the residents of the locality in which 
Mr. Blanchard might land from his aerial flight would render him such 
assistance as was in their power. 
248 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 249 

SATURDAY, JANUAEY 19. 

At Philadelphia: '-'■ January 1^. — Dined with the Presi- 
dent of the United States on Market Street, with our 
Speaker [Gerardus Wynkoop] and eighteen members of the 
[Pennsylvania] House [of Representatives]. I cannot help 
remarking the ease and great sociability shown to all by the 
President." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20. 

At Philadelphia : " I have been favored with your letter 
of the 6th instant, congratulatory on my reelection to the 
chair of government. A mind must be insensible indeed, 
not to be gratefully impressed by so distinguished and hon- 
orable a testimony of public approbation and confidence; 
and as I suffered my name to be contemplated on this 
occasion, it is more than probable that I should, for a mo- 
ment, have experienced chagrin, if my reelection had not 
been by a pretty respectable vote. But to say I feel pleas- 
ure from the prospect of commencing another tour of duty 
would be a departure from truth," — Washington to Henry 
Lee. 

At the second election for President and Vice-President under the Consti- 
tution, fifteen States chose electors, Vermont and Kentucky having been 
admitted into the Union, — the former on March 4, 1791, and the latter on 
June 1, 1792. Washington received one hundred and thirty-two votes, the 
full vote of the college. John Adams, having received the second highest 
number of votes (seventy seven), was declared to be Vice-President. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31. 

At Philadelphia : " If I had words that could convey to 
you an adequate idea of my feelings on the present situation 
of the Marquis de Lafayette, this letter would appear to 
you in a different garb. The sole object in writing to you 
now is, to inform you that I have deposited in the hands of 
Mr. Mcholas Van Staphorst, of Amsterdam, two thousand 
three hundred and ten guilders, Holland currency, equal to 
two hundred guineas, subject to your orders. 



250 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

" This sum is, I am certain, the least I am indebted for 
services rendered to me by the Marquis de Lafayette, of 
which I never yet have received the account." — Washington 
to the Marchioness de Lafayette. 

The Marquis de Lafayette, who on the declaration of war by France 
against Austria (April 20, 1792) was in command of the Army of the 
Centre, fifty-two thousand strong, was at his camp at Maubeuge at the time 
of the insurrection of June 20, 1792. Having denounced the dangerous 
policy of the Jacobins, and refusing, after the revolution of August 10, to 
obey the orders of the Assembly, he was removed from the command and 
his impeachment decided upon. He fled into Belgium, was taken prisoner 
by the Austrians, and handed over by them to the Prussians, by whom he 
was imprisoned first at Wesel, and afterward (March, 1793) at Magde- 
burg. The marchioness was retained a prisoner at Paris, but was subse- 
quently permitted to live on the family estate in Auvergne (Chavaniac), 
under the responsibility of the municipality of the village. 

After a year's incarceration at Magdeburg, Lafayette was transferred to 
Austria (May, 1794) for safe-keeping, and passed three years and more in a 
loathsome dungeon at Olmutz, where he was treated with barbarous cru- 
elty. With much diflSculty, his wife and two daughters, Anastasie and 
Virginia, got permission in October, 1796, to share his captivity. Much 
sympathy was felt for him in the United States and in England. In Par- 
liament, Fox, Wilberforce, and Sheridan were active in his behalf, and 
Washington wrote (May 15, 1796) to the emperor, Francis II., asking that 
he might be allowed to come on parole to the United States. He was at 
length set free, September 19, 1797, by the victories of Bonaparte. 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15. 

At Philadelphia : Is waited upon by a joint committee of 
both Houses of Congress and notitied of his unanimous re- 
election to the office of President of the United States. 

The committee was composed of Rufus King, of New York ; Ralph 
Izard, of South Carolina ; and Caleb Strong, of Massachusetts, on the part 
of the Senate; and William Smith, of South Carolina; James Madison, 
of Virginia ; and John Lawrence, of New York, on the part of the House 
of Representatives. 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 

At Philadelphia: '■'' February 23. — Yesterday (February 
22) being the Anniversary of the Birth-Day of our beloved 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 251 

fellow citizen, George Washington, President of the United 
States of America, who was born on the lltli of February 
1732, old stile : Gapt. Fisher's volunteer company of Artil- 
lery & three companies of Light Infantry, paraded at the 
State house, from whence they marched to the Artillery 
ground, and proceeded to the corner of IS'inth and Market 
streets where they fired 15 rounds, and gave three cheers ; 
afterwards, they marched down Market street, and gave a 
salute as they passed the President's house ; from whence 
proceeding down Market to Third street, they returned to 
the State House." — Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

"All the shipping in the Harbour had their colours hoisted out, and the 
bells of Christ church rang peals every half hour, during the day. Most 
of the Members of both houses of Congress, and many hundreds of 
respectable citizens, waited on the President, to pay him a visit of personal 
respect, & otfer their sincere congratulations on the occasion. Indeed 
every possible testimony of joy was expressed throughout the city of 
Philadelphia ; and the beauty of the weather added greatly to the scene, by 
seeming to welcome the day on which our trusty Patriot, Victorious Gen- 
eral, and excellent Chief Magistrate, entered his Sixty Second Year. In 
the evening there was an elegant ball at Oeller's Hotel ; and in many other 
places the day was closed with conviviality and heart-felt rejoicings. 

" Disclaiming as we do, all pretensions to adulation, it was impossible for 
us, it is impossible for any American, or perhaps for the people of any 
nation upon earth, to refrain from expressing a degree of satisfaction at the 
return of every revolving year that prolongs the life of a man, whose vir- 
tues have raised him to the very highest pitch of esteem. 

" ' Oft as this auspicious day. 

Sacred to mem'ry, shall return, 
Let Freedom pour the grateful lay. 

And haughty Tyrants mourn !' "—Idem. 

MONDAY, MAKCH 4. 

At Philadelphia : " March 5. — Yesterday, our beloved and 
venerable George Washington, came to the Senate Cham- 
ber of Congress, and took the usual oath of office, which 
was administered to him by Judge Cushing, at noon, in 
presence of an immense concourse of his fellow citizens, 
members of both Houses of the United States, Legislature, 



252 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

and several foreign ministers, consuls, &c. — There was like- 
wise an assemblage of ladies, attending on this solemn oc- 
casion, and the day was extremely serene ; for. Providence 
has always smiled on the day of this man, and on the 
glorious cause which he has ever espoused, of Liberty and 
Equality. 

" After taking the oath, the President retired, as he hud 
come, without pomp or ceremony ; but on his departure 
from the House, the people could no longer refrain obeying 
the genuine dictates of their hearts, and they saluted him 
with three cheers." — Danlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

" March 5, 1793. — I was present yesterday at the ceremony of adminis- 
tering the oath of office to Mr. Washington on his re-election for the next 
four years as President of the United States. It was administered by one 
of the Judges of the Supreme Court in the Senate Chamber, in the presence 
of the Senators and as many individuals as could be crowded into the room. 
The President first made a short speech, expressive of his sense of the high 
honour conferred on him by his re-election. There was nothing particular 
in the ceremony itself. . . . 

" There was one thing, which I observed yesterday in the Senate Cham- 
ber, which, if not accidental, will serve to mark the character of the people, 
though it was trifling in itself. The portraits of the King and Queen of 
France, which were presented, I believe during the war, were covered with a 
curtain, a circumstance which was not the case most certainly when I have 
been there on former occasions. Alas ! poor Louis ! 

" ' Deserted at his utmost need 
By those his former bounty fed !' 

"The French, those murderous imitators will, I fear, supply the rest of 
this passage, and in the very spirit, too, which actuated the assassins of the 
unfortunate Darius. I don't know whether I mentioned to you formerly 
that the key of the Bastile, given to a certain great man here by La Fay- 
ette, is hung up in a glass frame in the principal room of the great man's 
house, with an engraving of Louis XVI., le patriote Roi des Fi-an^als, op- 
posite to it. In the drawing-room of Mr. .Jefferson there are three busts, — 
of Franklin, Paul Jones, and La Fayette, three gentlemen, the first of 
whom had talents without virtue, the second deserved hanging, and the last, 
not improbably, may meet with that fate. The French principles are gain- 
ing ground fast in this country ; you will have heard of their rejoicings at 
the late successes of the French ; you will have heard of the attacks upon 
the President himself for his levees and other appendages of ^nonarchy and 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 253 

aristocracy ; the name of 'citizen' is bandied about, and in the course of last 
month a motion was made in the House of Kepresentatives, in the very- 
spirit of Cromwell and democracy, that the mace of that House should be 
broken up as a useless bauble, and the silver, of which part of it is com- 
posed, sent to the public mint. The mace is somewhat in the form of the 
ancient Roman Fasces ; it consists of thirteen arrows bound together, and an 
eagle on the top." — Edward Thornton to Sir James Bland Bulges, Bart. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 23. 

At Philadelphia : " If it can be esteemed a happiness to 
live in an age productive of great and interesting events, 
we of the present age are very highly favored. The ra- 
pidity of national revolutions appears no less astonishing, 
than their magnitude. In what they will terminate is 
known only to the Great Ruler of events ; and, confiding 
in his wisdom and goodness, we may safely trust the issue 
to him, without perplexing ourselves to seek for that, which 
is beyond human ken; only taking care to perform the parts 
assigned to us, in a way that reason and our own consciences 
approve." — Washington to David Humphreys. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 24. 

At Philadelphia : " I shall leave this on Wednesday next, 
so as to be at Georgetown on the Monday following (the 
first of April) ; and if not detained there by business, shall 
be at Mount Vernon the day after. I shall take Osborne 
and the two postillions with me, and eight horses." — 
Washington to Anthony Whiting. 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27. 

Leaves Philadelphia: ^^ April 1. — The President of the 
United States left town last Wednesday afternoon [March 
27], on a visit to Mount Vernon." — Dunlap's American Daily 
Advertiser. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 9. 

At Mount Vernon : " On Thursday next [April 11] at 
one o'clock, I mean to pay the last respect to the remains 



254 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

of my deceased Nephew — by having the funeral obsequies 
performed. . . . The funeral will be in the presence of a 
few friends only." — Washington to David Stuart. 

The nephew whose death is referred to was Major George Augustine 
Washington, son of the President's brother Charles, who had been living 
at Mount Vernon since 1784, and had taken charge of the estate as manager 
in April, 1789. His health had been failing for some time from a pul- 
monary affection. Major Washington served in the Kevolution as an aide 
to General Lafayette in his Virginia campaign. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 12. 

At Mount Vernon : " War having actually commenced 
between France and Great Britain, it behoves the govern- 
ment of this country to use every means in its power to 
prevent the citizens thereof from embroiling us with either 
of those powers, by endeavouring to maintain a strict neu- 
trality. I therefore require, that you will give the subject 
mature consideration, that such measures as shall be deemed 
most likely to effect this desirable purpose may be adopted 
without delay; for I have understood, that vessels are 
already designated as privateers, and are preparing ac- 
cordingly. ... I shall set out to-morrow [for Philadelphia] 
but will leave it to the advices, which I may receive to-night 
by the post, to determine whether it is to be by the most 
direct route, or by the one I proposed to come, that is, by 
Reading &c.'"' — Washington to Thomas Jefferson. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17. 

At Philadelphia : " April 19. — The President of the 
United States arrived in town, from his southern tour last 
Wednesday [April 17] in good health." — Dunlap's American 
Daily Advertiser, 

" My visit to Mount Vernon, intended to be short when I set out, was 
curtailed by the declaration of war by France against Great Britain and 
Holland; for I foresaw, in the moment information of that event came to 
me at that place, the necessity for announcing the disposition of this coun- 
try towards the belligerent powers, and the propriety of restraining, as far 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 255 

as a proclamation would do it, our citizens from taking part in the contest." 
— Washington to Henry Lee, May 6. 

FKIDAY, APKIL 19. 

At Philadelphia : A Cabinet meeting at the President's 
house. Present, Thomas Jeftersou, Alexander Hamilton, 
General Knox, and Edmund Randolph, Attorney-General. 
It was agreed unanimously, " That a proclamation shall 
issue forbidding our citizens to take part in any hostilities 
on the seas, with or against any of the belligerent powers ; 
and warning them against carrying to any such powers any 
of those articles deemed contraband, according to the 
modern usage of nations ; and enjoining them from all acts 
and proceedings inconsistent with the duties of a friendly 
nation towards those at war." It was also unanimously 
agreed that a minister from the Republic of France should 
be received. 

MONDAY, APRIL 22. 

At Philadelphia : Issues a proclamation, reciting " that a 
state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great 
Britain, and the United Netherlands, on the one part, and 
France on the other ; and the duty and interest of the 
United States require, that they should with sincerity and 
good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impar- 
tial towards the belligerent powers ; 

" I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare 
the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct 
aforesaid towards those powers respectively, and to exhort 
and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid 
all acts and proceedings whatsoever, which may in any 
manner tend to contravene such disposition," etc. 

The proclamation of neutrality may be considered, in regard to its char- 
acter and consequences, one of the most important measures of Washington's 
administration. It was the commencement of that system to which the 
American government afterward inflexibly adhered, and to which much of 
the national prosperity is to be ascribed. But this act, founded on the 



256 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

clearest principles of justice and policy, was at variance with the prejudices, 
the feelings, and the passions of a large portion of the citizens, blinded for 
the time by their partiality for republican France and antipathy for their 
ancient enemy. It also presented the first occasion which was thought a fit 
one for openly assaulting a character around which the affections of the 
people had thrown an armor heretofore deemed sacred, and for directly 
criminating the conduct of the President himself. It was stigmatized as a 
royal edict, an unwarrantable and daring assumption of executive power, 
and an open manifestation by the President and his political friends of 
partiality for England and hostility to Prance. 

Washington saw that a deadly blow was aimed at his influence and his 
administration, and that both were at hazard ; but he was convinced that 
neutrality was the true national policy, and he resolved to maintain it 
whatever might be his immediate loss of popular favor. Under date of 
July 21 he wrote to Henry Lee, " But in what will this abuse terminate? 
For the result, as it respects myself, I care not ; for I have a consolation 
within, that no earthly efforts can deprive me of, and that is, that neither 
ambitious nor interested motives have influenced my conduct. The arrows 
of malevolence, therefore, however barbed and well pointed, never can 
reach the most vulnerable part of me; though, whilst I am up as a mark, 
they will be continually aimed. The public^ations in Freneau's and Bache's 
papers * are outrages on common decency ; and they progress in that style, 
in proportion as their pieces are treated with contempt, and are passed by 
in silence, by those at whom they are aimed." 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24. 

At Philadelphia: '■'■April 24. — After dinner Mr. and Mrs. 
Barge and my three daughters went to Eickett's circus 
[Market and Twelfth Streets]. General Washington and 
family were present." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

" April 30. — Took two men down to the meadow [below the city] to re- 
pair fence and gate-posts, and while there President Washington came to 
see his mare [on pasture] . ' ' — Diary of Ja^ob Hiltzheimer. 

SUNDAY, MAY 5. 

At Philadelphia : " In the conversation you may have 
with a certain gentleman [Viscount de Noailles] to-day, I 
pray you to intimate to him gently and delicately, that, if 
the letters or papers, which he has to present, are, know- 

* The National Gazette and The Aurora. 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 257 

ingly to him, of a nature which relates to public matters, 
and not particularly addressed to me, or if he has any verbal 
communications to make of a similar kind, I had rather 
they should come through the proper channel. Add thereto, 
generally, that the peculiar situation of European affairs at 
this moment, my good wishes for his nation aggregately, my 
regard for those of it in particular, with whom I have had 
the honor of an acquaintance, my anxious desire to keep 
this country in peace, and the delicacy of my situation, 
render a circumspect conduct indispensably necessary on my 
part." — Washington to Alexander Hamilton. 

The Viscount de Noailles, who married a sister of the Marchioness de 
Lafayette, had served with distinction in the United States during the Kev- 
olution, and at Yorktown was appointed, in conjunction with Colonel John 
Laurens, to arrange with Lord Cornwallis the details of the capitulation. 
Having engaged with enthusiasm in the early movements of the French 
Kevolution, and acted a conspicuous part, he at length found himself in a 
proscribed party, and was obliged to flee from his country to escape the 
rage of the contending factions. He passed by way of England to this 
country, and arrived at Philadelphia on May 3, 1793. The President exer- 
cised much caution in receiving any of the French refugees, as is indicated 
by the above-quoted letter, and De Noailles with others never saw him but 
in public. Louis Marie, Viscount de Noailles, resided for some time in 
Philadelphia. He died at Havana, Cuba, January 9, 1804. 

FKIDAY, MAY 17. 

At Philadelphia : Receives an address from the mer- 
chants and traders of Philadelphia, expressing the high 
sense they entertained of the wisdom and goodness which 
dictated the late proclamation of neutrality, and their deter- 
mination to pay the strictest regard to it. 

To this address, which was signed by about three hundred of the princi- 
pal merchants and traders of the city of Philadelphia, the President made 
the following reply : " Fully persuaded that the happiness and best interests 
of the people of the United States will be promoted by observing a strict 
neutrality in the present contest among the powers of Europe, it gives me 
pleasure to learn that the measures which I have taken to declare to the 
world, their disposition on this head, has given general satisfaction to the 
citizens of Pennsylvania, The friends of humanity will deprecate war 

1.- 



I 



258 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

wherever it may appear : and we have experienced enough of its evils in 
this country, to know, that it should not be wantonly or unnecessarily en- 
tered upon. I trust, therefore, that the good citizens of the United States 
will shew to the world, that they have as much wisdom in jireserving peace 
at this critical juncture as they have heretofore displayed valour in defend- 
ing their just rights." 

SATUKDAY, MAY 18. 

At Philadelphia: '•''May 20. — Last Saturday afternoon 
[May 18] at two o'clock Mr. Genet, being introduced by 
Mr. Jefterson, Secretary of State, produced his credentials 
to the President; he was received and acknowledged as 
Minister Plenipotentiary from the Republic of France to 
the United States of America." — Dunlap's American Daily 
Advertiser. 

Edmund Charles Genet, " Citizen Genet," who succeeded M. Ternant as 
minister from France to the United States, arrived at Charleston, South 
Carolina, in the French frigate " L'Embuscade," April 8, 1793, and was 
received with open arms by the citizens. Bearing secret instructions to 
foment a war between this country and Great Britain, he began at once to 
fit out privateers to prey on British commerce, and gave authority to every 
French consul in America to constitute a Court of Admiralty to dispose of 
prizes brought into American ports by French cruisers. Genet travelled by 
land to Philadelphia, where, as well as on his route, his reception was of 
the most enthusiastic character; and although momentarily subdued by the 
calmness and dignity of the President, when presenting his credentials, he 
soon resumed his former attitude, and continued his violation of the sov- 
ereignty of the United States by commissioning privateers. "When re- 
minded of this offence by the Secretary of State, Genet denied the doctrine 
of neutrality as contrary to right, justice, and the laws of nations, and 
threatened to appeal from the President to the people, and actually under- 
took in July to fit out a privateer at Philadelphia in defiance of the govern- 
ment. It was a vessel captured by "L'Embuscade," the "Little Sarah," 
named by him " Le Petit Democrat." Matters having thus reached a point 
where forbearance toward the insolent French minister was no longer 
required by the most exacting courtesy, the President called the Cabinet 
.together on the first day of August, when it was decided that the French 
government should be requested to recall its minister, because he was 
offensive to that of the United States. This was acceded to, and M. Fauchet 
was appointed in his place, who arrived in February, 1794. Mr. Genet did 
not return to France, and, marrying the daughter of Governor George 
Clinton, became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He was twice 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 259 

married, his second wife being a daughter of Samuel Osgood, the first 
Postmaster-General under the Constitution. 

MONDAY, JUNE 24. 

Leaves Philadelphia: '•'•June 25. — Yesterday the Presi- 
dent of the United States left this city on a visit to his seat 
in Mount Vernon." — Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 30. 

At Mount Vernon : *' I expect to return to the seat of 
government about the 10th of next month." — Washington 
to Thomas Jefferson. 

MONDAY, JULY 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " The very polite invitation which 
you have given me, in the name of the citizens of Alexan- 
dria, to celebrate with them the approaching anniversary of 
American Independence, is received by me as a mark of 
attention meriting my warmest thanks; and as the best 
proof I can give of my feelings on the occasion will be to 
accept the invitation, I shall accordingly have the pleasure 
of meeting them at Alexandria on the 4th inst." — Washing- 
ton to the Committee on Celebration. 

THUKSDAY, JULY 4. 

At Alexandria: Participates in the celebration of the 
day, and dines with the citizens of Alexandria. 

'■^Alexandria, July 11. — On a signal-gun from the camp of captain Han- 
nah, the day was ushered in by 15 rounds from two 12 pounders under the 
direction of Mr. Isaac Roberdeau — these were returned by 15 from the camp. 
At noon 15 from a six-pounder, commanded by captain Hannah, were 
answered by 15 from the 12 pounders. Then divine service began in the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, where the President of the United States 
attended, and a discourse suited to the occasion was delivered by the Rev. 
Mr. Davis. 

"At 3 o'clock the company, to the number of one hundred and ten, sat 
down to an elegant dinner in Mr. "Wise's long room. . . . The President 
gave the toast ' Prosperity to the town of Alexandria ; ' and, after drinking 
the health of the company, retired. . . . 



260 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

"Words cannot express the happiness of the company; which was in- 
creased by beholding the pleasure that beamed on the countenance of their 
illustrious and revered neighbour. His extraordinary talents and virtues 
had contributed, in a signal manner, to the attainment of that blessing 
which they were now assembled to commemorate. Him, therefore tht^y 
could not but contemplate, in some sort, as the Father of the Feast — ' The 
feast of Reason and the flow of Soul.' " — Dimlap's American Daily Adver- 
tiser, July 18. 

THURSDAY, JULY 11. 

At Philadelphia: '■'■July 12. — Yesterday forenoon the 
President of the United States arrived in town from the 
Southward." — Dimlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

" My journey to and from Mount Vernon, was rapid, and as short as I 
could make it. It was occasioned by the unexpected death of Mr. Whiting, 
my manager, at a critical season for the business with which he was in- 
trusted." * — Washington to Henry Lee, July 21. 

SATURDAY, JULY 13. 

At Philadelphia : " July 13. — Went to see Mr. Ricketts 
ride, and saw there the President and his lady." — Diary of 
Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

" Jtdy 16. — The benefit to the poor, last Saturday [July 13], by Mr. 
Ricketts, produced 430 dollars, which is intended as a beginning for estab- 
lishing a Fund, to be placed in the hands of the Corporation, for the pur- 
pose of laying in Fire- Wood, to be distributed in the winter to such poor 
families as may require it.f The appearance of the President of the United 
States, with his family, amongst his fellow-citizens, always adds to the 
satisfaction we receive from those innocent public amusements, and it was 
rendered particularly agreeable by a handsome compliment, very genteely 

* Anthony Whiting died in the early part of June. He was succeeded 
as manager of the Mount Vernon farms by William Pearce, who took 
charge in October. 

f The amount realized on this occasion, with an additional sum of two 
hundred and one dollars derived from a performance of a like character by 
Mr. Ricketts, on the 19th of May, 1796, now forms, together with other 
donations, what is known as the City Fuel Fund of six thousand seven 
hundred dollars principal, the interest of which is used for supplying the 
deserving poor with coul during the winter. 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 261 

tho' indirectly, paid by Mr. Eicketts, who being obliged in the middle of 
the performance to drink a glass of wine, was required by one of his peo- 
ple to give a toast ; He instantly drank oflF a bumper to the health of The 
Man of the People. This operated like electricity, in producing a general 
clap of applause, accompanied by a huzza from every part of the Circus." 
— Dunlap^s American Daily Advertiser. 

SUNDAY, JULY 21. 

At Philadelphia : " I should have thanked you at an 
earlier period for your obliging letter of the 14th ultimo, 
had it not come to my hands a day or two only before I set 
out for Mount Vernon, and at a time when I was much 
hurried, and indeed, very much perplexed with the dis- 
putes, memorials, and what not, with which the government 
were pestered by one or the other of the petulant repre- 
sentatives of the powers at war, and because, since my 
return to this city, nine days ago, I have been more than 
ever overwhelmed with their complaints. In a word, the 
trouble they give is hardly to be described." — Washington to 
Henry Lee. 

MONDAY, JULY 29. 

At Philadelphia : " July 31. — Died on Sunday last [July 
28], after a short but severe illness, universally lamented, 
Mrs. Mary Lear — the amiable and accomplished wife of 
Tobias Lear, Esq. Secretary to the President of the United 
States — and on Monday her Funeral was attended by a 
train of unaffected mourners, to Christ Church burying 
ground, where her remains were entombed ! 

" Youth, Beauty, Virtue, Loveliness and Grace, in vain 
would soothe ' the dull cold ear of Death.' " — Dunhp's 
American Daily Advertiser. 

" July 30. — We have lately had a very affecting death in this city. Mrs. 
Lear, the wife of Mr. Lear, the President's Secretary, died on Sunday last, 
after a short but very severe illness. She was only 23, and beloved and re- 
spected by all who knew her, and she and her husband had been fond of 
each other from infancy. He attended the funeral himself, and so did the 
President and Mrs. "Washington. Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Jefferson, General 



262 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

Knox, Judge "Wilson, Judge Peters, and myself were pall-bearers." — James 
Iredell* to Mrs. Tredwell. 

THUKSDAY, AUGUST 1. 

At Philadelphia : A Cabinet meeting to take into con- 
sideration the conduct of M. Genet, and what course should 
be pursued in reference thereto. It was unanimously agreed 
that a full statement of his actions should be made in a 
letter to Gouverneur Morris (minister to France), that in 
the letter his recall should be required, and that his cor- 
respondence with the Secretary of State should be com- 
municated through Mr. Morris to the Executive Council of 
France. It was also taken into consideration whether a 
publication of the whole correspondence and a statement 
of the proceedings should not be made by way of appeal 
to the people. The meeting adjourned without coming to 
any conclusion on the latter proposition. 

Aiigust 2. — An adjourned meeting of the Cabinet. On the question of 
the appeal to the people coming up, Mr. Jefferson, after referring to the dis- 
cussion thereon, and giving his reasons for opposing such action, makes the 
following statement in his Anas: "The President manifestly inclined to 
the appeal to the people. Knox, in a foolish incoherent sort of a speech, 
introduced the pasquinade lately printed, called the funeral of George 

W n, and James W n [Judge Wilson, of the Supreme Court], King 

and Judge, &c., where the President was placed on a guillotine. The 
President was much inflamed ; got into one of those passions when he 
cannot command himself; ran on much on the personal abuse which had 
been bestowed on him ; defied any man on earth to produce one single act 
of his since he had been in the government which was not done on the 
purest motives ; that he had never repented but once the having slipped 
the moment of resigning his office, and that was every moment since ; that 
bi/ God he had rather be in his grave than in his present situation ; that he 
had rather be on his farm than to be made E-tnperor of the world ; and yet 
that they were charging him with wanting to be a King. That that rascal 
Freneau sent him three of his papers every day, as if he thought he would 
become the distributor of his papers ; that he could see in this nothing but 
an impudent design to insult him : he ended in this high tone. There was 



* Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from Feb- 
ruary 10, 1790, until his death, October 20, 1799. 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 263 

a pause. Some difficulty in resuming our question ; it was, however, after a 
little while, presented again, and he said there seemed to be no necessity for 
deciding ii now ; the propositions before agreed on might be put into a train 
of execution, and perhaps events would show whether the appeal would be 
necessary or not. ' ' 



MONDAY, AUGUST 26. 

At Philadelphia : " I expect to be at Mount Vernon 
about the 20th of next Month for a stay of 8 or 10 days." 
— Washington to William Pearce. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBEK 9. 

At Philadelphia : "I think it would not be prudent 
either for you, or the clerks in your office, or the office 
itself, to be too much exposed to the malignant fever, which, 
by well authenticated report, is spreading through the city. 
The means to avoid it, your own judgment under existing 
circumstances must dictate." — Washington to Henry Knox. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. 

Leaves Philadelphia: '■'■September 11. — Yesterday morning 
the President of the United States set off from this city for 
Mount Vernon." — Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. 

At Mount Vernon : ""We remained in Philadelphia until 
the 10th instant. — It was my wish to have continued there 
longer ; but as Mrs. Washington was unwilling to leave me 
surrounded by the malignant fever which prevailed, I could 
not think of hazarding her, and the Children any longer 
by my continuance in the City, the house in which we lived 
being, in a manner blockaded, by the disorder, and was be- 
coming every day more and more fatal ; I therefore came 
off with them on the above day and arrived at this place 
the 14th, without incountering the least accident on the 
road." — Washington to Tobias Lear, September 25. 



264 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. ' [1793 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBEK 18. 

At Washington City : Takes part as a Mason in the cere- 
monies of laying the corner-stone of the Capitol of the 
United States. The stone was laid at the southeast corner 
of the edifice. 

"The President of the United States, the Grand Master P. T. and the 
Worshipful Master of [Alexandria Lodge] No. 22 taking their stand to 
the east of a large stone, and all the Craft forming a circle westward, stood 
a short time in awful order. The artillery discharged. The Grand Marshal 
delivered the commissioners [Thomas Johnson, David Stuart, and Daniel 
Carroll] a large silver plate with an inscription thereon, which the com- 
missioners ordered to be read, and was as follows : 

"'This Southeast corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of 
America, in the City of Washington, was laid on the 18th day of Septem- 
ber, 1793, in the thirteenth year of American independence, in the first 
year of the second term of the presidency of George Washington, whose 
virtues in the civil administration of his country have been as conspicu- 
ous and beneficial, as his military valor and prudence have been useful in 
establishing her liberties, and in the year of Masonry, 5793, by the Presi- 
dent of the United States, in concert with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, 
several lodges under its jurisdiction, and Lodge No. 22 from Alexandria, 
Virginia.' 

"The artillery discharged a volley. The plate was then delivered to the 
President, who, attended by the Grand Master P. T. and three most Wor- 
shipful Masters, descended to the cavazion trench and deposed the plate, 
and laid it on the corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States of Amer- 
ica, on which was deposed Corn, Wine, and Oil, when the whole congrega- 
tion joined in reverential prayer, which was succeeded by Masonic chanting 
honors, and a volley from the artillery. The President of the United States 
and his attendant brethren ascended from the cavazion to the east of the 
corner-stone; and there the Grand Master P. T., elevated on a triple ros- 
trum, delivered an oration fitting the occasion, which was received with 
brotherly love and commendation. At intervals, during the delivery of 
the oration, several vollej-s were discharged by the artillery. The ceremony 
ended in prayer. Masonic chanting honors, and a 15-volley from the 
artillery. 

" The whole company retired to an extensive booth, where an ox of 500 
lbs. weight was barbecued, of which the company generally partook, with 
every abundance of other recreation. The festival concluded with fifteen 
successive volleys from the artillery, whose military discipline and manoeu- 
vres merit every commendation. Before dark the whole company departed 
with joyful hopes of the production of their labor." — Georgetoivii, Septem- 
ber 21, 1793. 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 265 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBEK 30. 

At Mount Vernon : " The continuation and spreading of 
the malignant fever, with which the city of Philadelphia is 
visited, together with the absence of the heads of depart- 
ments therefrom, will prolong my abode at this place until 
about the 25th of October ; at or about which time, I shall 
myself, if the then state of things should render it improper 
for me to take my family, set out for that city, or the vi- 
cinity, say Germantown." — Washington to Edmund Ran- 
dolph. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " It appearing to me that the public 
business will require the executive of&cers to be together 
sometime before the meeting of Congress, I have written 
to the Secretaries of the Treasury and War to meet me at 
Philadelphia or vicinity, say Germantown, by the first of 
i^ovember, and should be glad to see you there at the same 
time." — Washington to Thomas Jefferson. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14. 

At Mount Vernon : " The accounts from the city [of 
Philadelphia] are really afiecting. Two gentlemen now 
here from New York (Colonels Piatt and Sergeant) say, 
that they were told at the Swedes' Ford of Schuylkill, by a 
person who had it from the Governor (Mifflin), that, by an 
official report from the mayor of the city [Matthew Clark- 
son], upwards of three thousand and five hundred had 
died, and the disorder was raging more violently than ever." 
— Washington to James Madison. 

The yellow fever of 1793, the spread of which was due to the neglect of 
sanitary precautions in its early stages, was most disastrous in its conse- 
quences. The fever first made its appearance in a lodging-house in the 
eastern part of the city in July, but it was not until the middle of August 
that its progress began to attract attention, and about the 25th of the month 
a general exodus of the population commenced. The epidemic lasted from 



266 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

the 1st of August to the 9th of November, during which period the number 
of deaths was over four thousand. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23. 

At Mount Vernon : "I shall set out, so as to be in Ger- 
mantown or thereabouts on the Ist of November, if no dif- 
ficulties should be encountered on the road. ... It is not 
in my power to despatch a servant before me. I shall have 
but two, neither of whom can be spared for such a purpose. 
These, with five horses, Mr. Dandridge, and myself, form 
the total of my family and equipage." — Washington to Ed- 
mund Randolph. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " Tomorrow I leave this for Phila- 
delp* or the vicinity of it ; where, when you have occasion 
to write to me, direct your letters." — Washington to William 

Pearce. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1. 

At Germantown : " Germantown, November 2. — I over- 
took the President at Baltimore, and we arrived here yes- 
terday. . . . The fever in Philadelphia has so much abated 
as to have almost disappeared. The inhabitants are about 
returning." Thomas Jefferson to James Madison. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3. 

At Germantown : " I will mention a proverb to you 
which you will find worthy of attention all the days of 
your life ; under any circumstances, or in any situation you 
may happen to be placed ; — and that is, to put nothing ofi" 
'till the Morrow, that you can do to day." — Washington to 
Howell Lewis. 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6. 

At Germantown : Receives a communication from Henry 
Hill and others, Trustees of " The Public School at Ger- 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 267 

mantown," tendering the school buildings for the accom- 
modation of Congress should it convene at that place. 

"The Public School at Germantown," incorporated in 1784, was on the 
south side of School Lane, a short distance west of the main street. The 
building, erected in 1760-61 is still standing and used for its original pur- 
poses. It is now known as the Germantown Academy^ and is in good repute 
as an educational institution. The plan of education embraces all the 
studies necessary to prepare young men to enter the sophomore class at col- 
lege. Congress did not accept the offer of the Trustees, but convened at 
Philadelphia on Monday, December 2, all danger from the yellow fever 
having by that time been dispelled. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24. 

At Germantown : " The malady with which Philadelphia 
has been sorely afflicted, has, it is said, entirely ceased ; — 
and all the Citizens are returning to their old habitations 
again. — I took a house in this town when I first arrived 
here, and shall retain it until Congress get themselves 
fixed ; * although I spend part of my time in the city." — 
Washington to Colonel Burgess Ball. 

The house in Germantown at which the President lived in the month of 
November, 1793, f is still standing, on the west side of the main street, now 
known as Germantown Avenue, in the Twenty-second "Ward of the city of 
Philadelphia, and about six miles northwest of Independence Hall. The 
house — a substantial stone structure about forty feet square, with consid- 
erable back buildings, and numbered 5442 — is directly opposite Mill Street 
(formerly Church Lane), and faces an open area which until recent years 
was known as Market Square. It was erected in 1772, and at the time of 
its being occupied by Washington was owned by Colonel Isaac Franks, of 

* " Germantotvn, November 27. — The President will be established [in 
Philadelphia] in about a week, at which time Congress is to meet." — 
Thomas Jefferson to Mr. Pinckney. 

•}• In Rupp's History of Berks County, Pennsylvania, it is stated that 
General Washington stayed all night, the 13th of November, 1793, at 
Womelsdorf (fourteen miles west of Reading), and that the inhabitants 
delivered him an address, which he answered. " A company of volunteers 
assembled, and amidst repeated firing of guns, near the door of the house 
in which he lodged, exclaimed, ' Lang lebe George Washington ! Lang lebe 
George Washington 1 !' " 



268 WASHIXGTOX AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

the Army of the Revolution. It i? now owned and occupied by Elliston 
Perot Morris, a great-grandson of Samuel Morris, captain of the First City 
Troop, 1776-86. Mr. Morris is the fortunate owner of the letter written by 
General Washington to Captain Morris, dated Morristown, January 23, 
1777, in which he thanks the "Captain and Gentlemen"' of the Troop for 
the many essential services which they had rendered to their country and to 
him personally during the course of the campaign which ended at Princeton 
on January 3. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3. 

At Philadelphia : Addresses both Houses of Congress 
in the Senate Chamber. " Exactly at 12 o'clock the Presi- 
dent arrived, accompanied by the Secretary of State, the 
Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary at War, and the 
Attorney General &c and in the presence of a large assem- 
blage of citizens and foreigners delivered to both Houses 
his address." * 

The state of affairs, both external and internal, was largely explained in 
the President's speech and in a separate message accompanied with many 
documents. In these were comprised the reasons for the course he had 
pursued respecting foreign powers, and suggestions for additional legislative 
enactments to protect the rights of American citizens and maintain the 
dignity of the country. It was in allusion to these communications to 
Congress that Mr. Fox made the following remarks in the British Parlia- 
ment, January 31, 1794: "And here, Sir, I cannot help alluding to the 
President of the United States, General Washington, a character whose 
conduct has been so different from that which has been pursued by the 
ministers of this country. How infinitely wiser must appear the spirit and 
principles manifested in his late address to Congress, than the policy of 
modern European courts ! Illustrious man, deriving honor less from the 
splendor of his situation than from the dignity of his mind ; before whom 
all borrowed greatness sinks into insignificance, and all the potentates of 
Europe (excepting the members of our own royal family) become little and 
contemptible ! He has had no occasion to have recourse to any tricks of 
policy or arts of alarm ; his authority has been sufficiently supported by 
the same means by which it was acquired, and his conduct has uniformly 
been characterized by wisdom, moderation, and firmness. Feeling grati- 
tude to France for the assistance received from her in that great contest, 
which secured the independence of America, he did not choose to give up 
the system of neutrality. Having once laid down that line of conduct, 

* Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser, December 4. 



1793] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 269 

which both gratitude and policy pointed out as most proper to be pursued, 
not all the insults and provocation of the French minister Genet could 
turn him from his purpose. Intrusted with the welfare of a great people, 
he did not allow the misconduct of another, with respect to himself, for one 
moment to withdraw his attention from their interest. He had no fear of 
the Jacobins, he felt no alarm from their principles, and considered no pre- 
caution as necessary in order to stop their progress." 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7. 

At Philadelphia : Receives from the House of Repre- 
sentatives, through the committee, Messrs. Madison, 
Sedgwick, and Hartley, an answer to his address of De- 
cember 3. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10. 

At Philadelphia : Is waited on by the Senate, and the 
"Vice-President, in its name, presents him with au answer 
to his address. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12. 

At Philadelphia : " All my landed property, east of the 
Apalachian mountains, is under Rent, except the estate 
called Mount Vernon. This, hitherto, I have kept in my 
own hands : but from my present situation, from my ad- 
vanced time of life, from a wish to live free from care, and 
as much at my ease as possible, during the remainder of it, 
and from other causes, which are not necessary to detail, I 
have, latterly, entertained serious thoughts of letting this 
estate also, reserving the mansion-house farm for my own 
residence, occupation, and amusement in agriculture; pro- 
vided I can obtain what, in my own judgment, and in the 
opinion of others whom I have consulted, the low rent 
which I shall mention hereafter ; and provided also I can 
settle it with good farmers." — Washington to Arthur Young. 

Extract from tlie above-quoted letter: "No estate in United America is 
more pleasantly situated than this. It lies in a high, dry and healthy coun- 
try, 300 miles by water from the sea, and, as you will see by the plan, on 
one of the finest rivers in the world. Its margin is washed by more than 



270 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1793 

ten miles of tide-water ; from the bed of which and the innumerable coves, 
inlets, and small marshes, with which it abounds, an inexaustible fund of 
rich mud may be drawn, as a manure, either to be used separately, or in a 
compost, according to the judgment of the farmer. It is situated in a 
latitude between the extremes of heat and cold, and is the same distance by 
land and water, with good roads, and the best navigation (to and) from 
the Federal City, Alexandria, and George- Town ; distant from the first, 
twelve, from the second nine, and from the last sixteen miles. The Fed- 
eral City, in the year 1800, will become the seat of the general government 
of the United States. It is increasing fast in buildings, and rising into 
consequence ; and will I have no doubt, from the advantages given to it by 
Nature, and its proximity to a rich interior country, and the western terri- 
tory, become the emporium of the United States. . . . This river, which 
encompasses the land the distance above-mentioned, is well supplied with 
various kinds of fish, at all seasons of the year ; and, in the spring, with the 
greatest profusion of shad, herrings, bass, carp, perch, sturgeon &c. Several 
valuable fisheries appertain to the estate ; the whole shore, in short, is one 
entire fishery. There are, as you will perceive by the plan, four farms 
besides that at the mansion-house : these four contain 3260 acres of culti- 
vable land." 

TUESDAY, DECEMBEK 31. 

At Philadelphia : " It has been ray intention ever since 
my return to the city, to contribute my mite towards the 
relief of the most needy inhabitants of it. The pressure of 
public business hitherto has suspended, but not altered my 
resolution. I am at a loss, however, for whose benefit to 
apply the little I can give and in whose hands to place 
it . . . and therefore have taken the liberty of asking 
your advice." — Washington to William White, Bishop of 
Pennsylvania. 



1794- 



WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1. 

At Philadelphia : " January 6. — On "Wednesday last 
[January 1], New Year's day — Members of both Houses 
of Congress — Heads of Departments — Foreign Ministers — 
Members of the Society of the Cincinnati — Officers of the 
Militia, &c., waited on the President of the United States, 
to oifer him the compliments of the Season." — Dunlap and 
ClaypooWs American Daily Advertiser. 

THUESDAY, JANUARY 9. 

At Philadelphia : " The news of this evening is, that the 
Queen of France is no more.* When will the savages be 
satiated with blood ? l!^o prospect of peace in Europe, and 
therefore none of internal harmony in America. We cannot 
well be in a more disagreeable situation than we are with 
all Europe, with all Indians, and with all Barbary rovers. 
Nearly one half the continent is in constant opposition to 
the other, and the President's situation, which is highly 
responsible, is very distressing. He made me a very friendly 
visit yesterday, which I returned to-day, and had two hours' 
conversation with him alone in his cabinet." — John Adams 
to Mrs. Adams, January 9. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 

At Philadelphia : " February 24. — Saturday [February 
22], being the anniversary of that auspicious event the 
birth of the President of the United States, the same was 
observed here with unusual demonstrations of joy." — Dun- 
lap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 

* Marie Antoinette was executed October 16, 1793. 

271 



272 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

"A Federal Salute ushered in the dawn, and the bells of Christ Church 
rang peals at intervals through the day. At noon the Members of both 
Houses of Congress — the Heads of Departments — the Foreign Ministers — 
his brother veterans, the Society of the Cincinnati — the Governor, Civil 
and Military Officers of this Commonwealth — the Reverend Clergy — the 
Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania — and a great assemblage of 
other citizens, waited on the President at his house to pay him their 
respects and congratulations. 

"The Light Horse, Artillery, & Light Infantry, which paraded in honor 
of the day, were more numerous than on any recent occasion — and their 
truly soldier-like appearance merits the highest approbation. Repeated 
federal salutes were fired in the course of the day, by the artillery in High 
Street. The field officers of the militia were dressed in new and elegant 
uniforms on this occasion. The general joy and hilarity evinced this day, 
indicate that the purest republican principles actuate the public mind. The 
President enters into the 63d year of his age. 

" The Managers of the City Dancing Assembly gave a Ball in the even- 
ing. They were honored with the company of the President and Mrs. Wash- 
ington, several of the Foreign Ministers, a number of the members of 
Congress, the Secretaries of the treasury and of war, the Governors of the 
State and of the Western Territory, and the most brilliant display of 
beauty, perhaps, ever exhibited in this city. The countenances of all 
present appeared perfectly congenial with the happy occasion." — Idem. 

" Saturday last [February 22] M. Fauchet, the new Minister from France, 
was introduced to the President of the United States, by Mr. Randolph, 
Secretary of State." * — Idem. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24. 

At Philadelphia : " Enclosed you will find three Bank 
notes for one hundred dollars each ; out of which pay the 
Rev*^. Mr. Muir of Alexandria Fifty pounds, and take his 
signature to the enclosed receipt." — Washington to William 

Pearce. 

This was an annual subscription to the Orphan School under the care of 
the Rev. James Muir, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. 
The following item in Washington's will refers to this school : " To the 
Trustees (Governors or by whatsoever other name they may be designated) 
of the Academy in the Town of Alexandria, I give and bequeath, in Trust, 

* Edmund Randolph was appointed Secretary of State on the second of 
January as successor to Thomas Jeflerson, who had resigned from the office 
December 31, 1793. The place of Mr. Randolph as Attorney-General was 
supplied by William Bradford, of Pennsylvania. 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 273 

Four thousand dollars, or in other words twenty of the shares which I hold 
in the Bank of Alexandria toward the support of a Free School, established 
at, and annexed to the said Academy for the purpose of educating such 
orphan children, or the children of such other poor and indigent persons as 
are unable to accomplish it with their own means, and who in the judgment 
of the trustees of the said Seminary, are best entitled to the benefit of this 
donation. . . . And to prevent misconception, my meaning is, and is hereby 
declared to be that, these twenty shares are in lieu of and not in addition to 
the Thousand pounds given by a missive letter some years ago [December 
17, 1785] in consequence whereof an annuity of fifty pounds has since been 
paid toward the support of that institution." 

SUNDAY, MAKCH 2. 

At Philadelphia : " The Price of Midlings and Ship stuff 
in Alexandria is greatly below the selling price in this 
market ; especially the first, which is 5^ dollars the barrel 
of 196 lbs — and the latter, from a dollar and half to two 
dollars p'. hundred — but as these articles never are so high 
there as here, you must enquire the most favorable season 
to dispose of them, and do it to the best advantage. — Keep 
me informed from time to time of the prices of Superfine 
and fine flour, that I may know when to strike for mine ; — 
and ask the Miller why he does not, as usual, note in his 
weekly returns the number of barrels he has packed of all 
the different kinds." — Washington to William Pearce. 

SUNDAY, MAKCH 23. 

At Philadelphia : " Mr. Smith has, I believe, been fur- 
nished with fish from my landing, and if he will give as 
much as another, ought to have the preference ; — but before 
you positively engage, enquire what the other fisheries are 
disposed to sell at. — 4/. p^ thousand for Herrings, and 10/. p'. 
hundred for shad is very low. — I am, at this moment, paying 
6/. a piece for every shad I buy." — Washington to William 
Pearce. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 30. 

At Philadelphia : " I am sorry to hear your drilled and 
other wheat, makes but an indifferent appearance. — I 

18 



274 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

was in hopes such extreame fine weather as we have had 
during the whole month of March would have occasioned 
a pleasing change in both. — As grain puts on difierent 
looks at this season, according as the weather, while grow- 
ing, happens to be, let me know from time to time how 
mine comes on. — If it stands thick enough on the ground, 
such uncommon mildness and warmth as we have had 
since February, must have recovered that Crop greatly, 
as well as the Winter Barley." — Washington to William 
Pearce. 

The letters from which the last three quotations are made form part of a 
series of one hundred and sixteen, written by Washington to William Pearce, 
manager of the Mount Vernon farms from October, 1793, to January, 1797. 
The originals are in the possession of the Long Island Historical Society, and 
were published in 1889, with an historical and genealogical introduction and 
notes by Moncure Daniel Conway, being volume iv. of the Memoirs of that 
society. The letters quoted, it will be perceived, were all written on Sunday, 
and, with but few exceptions, this is the case with the entire series, it having 
been the custom of the President to devote the afternoon of that day to his 
private correspondence. 

Upon a careful perusal of the letters comprising the series, we find that 
the smallest as well as the most important matters connected with his Mount 
Vernon interests are noted with a detail almost painfully minute. Letter 
after letter, many of them of considerable length, devoted to instructions as 
to building, labor, crops, and, in brief, everything pertaining to the manage- 
ment of a large landed estate ; disclosing an ability for the supervision of 
business by an absentee that would be remarkable had the writer been 
entirely free from responsibility other than the proper conduct of his own 
affairs. And when we reflect that these letters were written during the most 
trying and exacting period of Washington's life, we may well be impressed 
with the extraordinary qualities of a mind which could thus calmly with- 
draw from the engrossing consideration of matters of state, the harassing 
care of great oflSce, to devote itself, with unfailing regularity, to the accu- 
rate and voluminous direction of private affairs, of which these letters are a 
most striking proof. 

Truly a remarkable record of a remarkable mind ! 

SUNDAY, APKIL 6. 

At Philadelphia : " I had no doubt but that the late cap- 
ture of our Vessels by the British Cruisers, followed by the 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 275 

Embargo * which had been laid on the Shipping in our 
Ports, w^ naturally occasion a temporary fall in the article 
of provisions ; — yet, as there are the same mouths to feed 
as before ; — as the demand, consequently, will be as great ; 
and as the Crops in other parts of the world will not be 
increased by these means, I have no doubt at all, but that, 
as soon as the present impediments are removed the prices 
of flour will rise to what it has been (at least) for which 
reason hold mine up to the prices mentioned in my last ; 
and if they are offered, make a provisory agreement, to be 
ratified, or not, by me; — an answer to which can be obtained 
in a week." — Washington to William Pearce. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 8. 

At Philadelphia: '■^ April 9. — I arrived here [Philadel- 
phia] on Monday evening; and yesterday dined with the 
President. The question of war or peace seems to be as 
much in suspense here as in New York when I left you. 
I am rather inclined to think that peace will continue, but 
should not be surprised if war should take place. In the 
present state of things, it will be best to be ready for the 
latter event in every respect." — John Jay to Mrs. Jay. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 15. 

At Philadelphia : " Let me know whether the message, 
which in the evening of yesterday I requested you to draw, 
will be ready by eleven o'clock this forenoon ?" — Washing- 
ton to Edmund Randolph. 

This message was the one in which Mr. Jay was nominated to the 
Senate as envoy extraordinary to England. The message, which was sent 

* Congress, in retaliation for the "Provision Order" of the British Coun- 
cil of November 6, 1793, which directed the seizure of all vessels carrying 
food products to Prance, passed (March 26, 1794) a joint resolution laying 
an embargo on commerce for thirty days. The measure seemed to have 
chiefly in view the obstructing the supply of provisions for the British 
fleet and army in the West Indies. It operated quite as much against the 
French. 



I 



276 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

in the next day, April 16, is as follows : " Gentlemen of the Senate ; The 
communications which T have made to you during your present session, 
from the despatches of our minister in London [Thomas Pinckney], contain 
a serious aspect of our affairs with Great Britain. But, as peace ought to 
be pursued with unremitted zeal, before the last resource, which has so 
often been the scourge of nations, and cannot fail to check the advanced 
prosperity of the United States, is contemplated ; I have thought proper to 
nominate, and do hereby nominate, John Jay, as envoy extraordinary of 
the United States to his Britannic Majesty." 

The nomination of Mr. Jay, which was confirmed April 19, was made 
in consequence of a motion introduced in the House of Representatives 
(April 7) that all commercial intercourse with Great Britain and her sub- 
jects be suspended so far as respected all articles of the growth or manu- 
facture of Great Britain or Ireland, until the surrender of the frontier posts, 
etc. This motion, if adopted, would have led directly to war. 

FEIDAY, APRIL 25. 

At Philadelphia : '^ April 26. — Yesterday about 11 o'clock, 
the President, accompanied by the Governor, the Secretary 
of State, the Secretary of War, and a number of respectable 
citizens, went down the river in one of the New Castle 
packets, to Fort Mifflin and other places on the banks of 
the Delaware." — Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily 
Advertiser. 

TUESDAY, MAY 6. 

At Philadelphia: "To tell you that the order of his 
Britannic Majesty in council, of the 8th of June last, respect- 
ing neutral vessels, had given much discontent in the United 
States, and that that of the 6th of November and its result 
had thrown them into a flame, will hardly be news to you 
when you shall receive this letter. The subsequent order 
of the 8th of January has in a degree allayed the violence 
of the heat, but will by no means satisfy them without 
reparation for the spoliations on our trade, and the injuries 
we sustain from the non-performance of the treaty of peace. 
To effect these if possible by temperate means, by fair and 
firm negotiations, an envoy extraordinary is appointed, and 
will, I expect, sail in a few days. Mr. Jay is chosen for the 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 277 

trust. Mr. John Trumbull goes as his private Secretary." 

— Washington to Tobias Lear. 

The order of the British Council of the 8th of June, 1793, directed that 
armed vessels should arrest and send into port vessels loaded with corn or 
meal or flour destined for France, and all neutral vessels, save those of 
Denmark and Sweden, which should attempt to enter any hlockaded port. 
The order of the 6th of November, which was partially revoked by that of 
the 8th of January, 1794, directed English vessels to seize and bring to 
British ports " all ships laden with goods the produce of any colony belong- 
ing to France, or carrying provisions or other supplies for the use of any 
such colony." 

FKIDAT, JUNE 6. 

At Philadelphia : " June 6. — I had the honor of an inter- 
view with the President of the United States, to whom I 
was introduced by Mr. Dandridge, his secretary. He re- 
ceived me very politely, and after reading my letters, I 
was asked to breakfast." — Henry Wansey, Excursion to the 
United States in 1794-. 

"The President, in his person, is tall and thin, but erect; rather of an 
engaging than a dignified presence. He appears very thoughtful, is slow 
in delivering himself, which occasions some to conclude him reserved, but 
it is rather, T apprehend, the effect of much thinking and reflection, for 
there is great appearance to me of affability and accommodation. He was 
at this time in his sixty-third year, being born February 11, 1732, O.S., 
but he has veiy little the appearance of age, having been all his life-time so 
exceeding temperate. There is a certain anxiety visible in his countenance 
with marks of extreme sensibility. . . . 

" Mrs. Washington herself made tea and coffee for us. On the table were 
two small plates of sliced tongue, dry toast, bread and butter, &c. but no 
broiled fish, as is the general custom. Miss Custis her grand-daughter, a 
very pleasing young lady, of about sixteen, sat next to her, and her brother 
George Washington Custis, about two years older than herself.* There was 
but little appearance of form: one servant only attended, who had no 
livery ; a silver urn for hot water, was the only article of expence on the 
table. She appears something older than the President, though, I under- 



* This is an error. George Washington Parke Custis was two years younger 
than his sister Nelly. 



278 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

stand, they were both born in the sanne year ;* short in stature, rather robust ; 
very plain in her dress, woarinii; a very plain cap, with her grey hair closely 
turned up under it. She has routs or levees (whichever the people chases 
to call them) every Wednesday and Saturday at Philadelphia, during the 
sitting of Congress. f But the Anti-federalists object even to these, as tend- 
ing to give a super-eminency, and introductory to the paraphernalia of 
courts. ' ' — Wanset. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 15. 

At Philadelphia : " If nothing, unforseen by me at pres- 
ent, intervenes to prevent it, I shall leave this city for 
Mount Vernon the day after tomorrow; (tuesday) but as 
the weather is warm, my horses fat and out of exercise, and 
I may have occasion to stop a day on the road, it is not 
probable I shall reach home before Sunday or Monday 
next." — Washington to William Pearce. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 17. 

Leaves Philadelphia : " June 19. — The President left this 
city on Tuesday [June 17], on a visit to his seat in Vir- 
ginia." — Dayilap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 

" Baltimore, June 19. — At five o'clock this afternoon I reached this 
place, and shall proceed in the morning." — Washington to Edmund Randolph. 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26. 

At Mount Vernon: "I shall endeavour to be back by the 
time I allotted before I left Philadelphia, if I am able ; but 
an exertion to save myself and horse from falling among 
the rocks at the Lower Falls of the Potomac, whither I 
went on Sunday morning [June 22] to see the canal and 
locks, has wrenched my back in such a manner as to pre- 
vent my riding ; and hitherto has defeated the purposes for 
which I came home. My stay here will only be until I can 
ride with ease and safety, whether I accomplish my own 
business or not." — Washington to Edmund Randolph. 



* Mrs. Washington was born June 21, 1731. (" Martha Washington," by 
Anne H. Wharton, page 3.) 

f The levees of Mrs. Washington were held every Friday evening. 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 279 

MONDAY, JUNE 30. 

At Mount Vernon : " I expect to leave this place on 
Thursday [July 3] for Philadelphia ; and if, upon inquiry at 
Georgetown, I should find the upper road the smoothest 
and best, I shall proceed by it," — Washington to Edmund 
Handolph. 

MONDAY, JULY" 7. 

At Philadelphia : " Jidy 9. — Monday afternoon [July 7] 
the President of the United States arrived in town from 
the southward." — Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily 
Advertiser. 

^'^Philadelphia, July 13. — I arrived in this City myself on Monday; made 
rather worse by my journey, and a wetting I g(n on the Road on Saturday ; 
having travelled all day through a constant Rain. , . . P.S. Mrs. Washing- 
ton desires you will send her by the first Vessel to this place one doz° of the 
best Hams, and half a doz° Midlings of Bacon. — Weigh the whole and send 
me the Account of it. ' ' — Washington to William Pearce. 

THURSDAY, JULY 10. 

At Philadelphia: ^^ July 10. — I waited on Mr. Ran- 
dolph, who immediately accompanied me and introduced 
me to the President of the United States. He said little or 
nothing to me upon the subject of the business on which I 
am to be sent [as resident minister to the United Nether- 
lands]. All his directions and intentions on this head I am 
to receive through the medium of his Ministers. I dined 
with him General and Mrs. Knox, Mr. Randolph and Mr. 
Bradford were there, and also Mrs. R. Morris." — Diary of 
John Quincy Adams. 

"July 11. — By the invitation of the President, I attended the reception he 
gave to Piomingo and a number of other Chickasaw Indians. Five Chiefs, 
seven Warriors, four boys and an interpreter constituted the Company. 
As soon as the whole were seated the ceremony of smoking began. A 
large East Indian pipe was placed in the middle of the Hall. The tube 
which appeared to be of leather, was twelve to fifteen feet in length. The 
President began and after two or three whifls, passed the tube to Piomingo ; 
he to the next chief, aud so all round. . . . When it was finished, the Presi- 



280 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

dent addressed them in a speech which he read, stopping at the close of 
every sentence for the interpreter to translate it. . . . Piomingo then de- 
sired he might he excused from giving his talks at this time, heing very 
unwell, hut promised to give them in a few days. They then made several 
inquiries respecting the Cherokees who have recently heen here.* Their 
questions discovered a mixture of curiosity and animosity. These two 
nations are at war, and the Chickasaws spoke of the others as perfidious 
people. The fides punica it seems is not confined to civilized nations. 

"The informal conversation was held while wine, punch and cake were 
carrying round. . . . These formalities employed about an hour ; after 
which they rose, shook hands with us all, and departed." — Diary of John 
Quincy Adams. 

SUNDAY, JULY 20. 

At Philadelphia : " I know of no pursuit in which more 
real & important service can be rendered to any Country, 
than by improving its agriculture — its breed of useful ani- 
mals — and other branches of a husband-mans cares." — 
Washington to Sir John Sinclair. 

Sir John Sinclair, a Scottish nobleman distinguished for his statistical 
publications and philanthropy, was a frequent correspondent of Washington 
on agricultural matters, in which he took great interest of a practical 
nature. He was the founder of the Board of Agriculture in Scotland (1793) 
and its first president. Sinclair published at London in 1800, in fac-simile, 
the letters addressed to him by Washington on "agriculture and other in- 
teresting topics," to which was appended a brief sketch of the character of 
the writer. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30. 

At Germantown : " August 3. — I removed to this place on 
Wednesday last [July 30], in order to avoid the heat of the 
City of Philadelphia. — It is probable I shall remain here 
until about the middle of September." — Washington to 
William Pearce. 

* " June 7. — Yesterday arrived here in the brig Fame, Capt. Hunt, eight 
days from Charleston, twenty-one Indian Chiefs, or head warriors, of the 
Cherokee nation, deputised by that nation to treat with the President of the 
United States. They were conducted from the place of landing to the 
accommodations provided for them by the directions of the Governor of this 
State." — Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 281 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7. 

At Germautown : Issues a proclamation warning the Uiiu^lcjuj 
insurgents in the western parts of Pennsylvania to desist ,v,i./!f(r, 

from their opposition to the laws laying duties upon spirits 
distilled within the United States, and upon stills. 

In this proclamation, after briefly stating the doings of the insurgents, 
the measures thus far pursued by the government, and the principal points 
of the law which authorized force to be emplo^-ed against insurrectionary 
movements, the President expressed the opinion that the time had come 
when it was necessary to call out the militia for this purpose ; and the in- 
surgents were warned that, unless they should disperse before the 1st of 
September, the law would be put in execution. In pursuance thereof a 
requisition was issued for raising 12,950 of the militia,* to be held in readi- 
ness to march at a moment's warning: Pennsylvania, 5200; New Jersey, 
2100 ; Maryland, 2350 ; Virginia, 3300 The militia were called out on the 
2d of September, and the President, in a proclamation of the 25th of the 
month, expressed his satisfaction at learning of their patriotic alacrity in 
obeying the call, and that a force, which, according to every reasonable ex- 
pectation, was adequate to the exigency, was already in motion to the scene 
of disaffection. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30. 

At Germantown : " I will undertake without the gift of 
prophecy, to predict, that it will be impossible to keep this 
country in a state of amity with Great Britain long, if the 
posts are not surrendered. A knowledge of these being 
my sentiments would have little weight, I am persuaded, 
with the British administration, and perhaps not with the 
nation in effecting the measure; but both may rest satisfied 
that, if they want to be in peace with this country, and to 
enjoy the benefits of its trade, to give up the posts is the 
only road to it. Withholding them, and consequences we 
feel at present continuing, war will be inevitable." — Wash- 
ington to John Jay, at London. 

It was stipulated in Article VII. of the definitive treaty of peace of 
September 3, 1783, that the British government should with all convenient 
speed withdraw its armies from every post, place, and harbor within the 

* This requisition was afterward augmented to fifteen thousand. 



282 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

United States. The troops, however, had not as yet been withdrawn from 
the posts of Mackinaw, Detroit, Fort Erie, Niagara, Oswego, Oswegatchie (on 
the St. Lawrence), and Port-au-fer and Dutchman's Point on Lake Cham- 
plain. It was the opinion of the President that all the difficulties with the 
Indians were the result of the conduct of the British agents protected by 
these frontier posts. They endeavored to remove friendly tribes over the 
line, and also to keep those who were hostile to the United States in a state 
of irritation ; and they also furnished the whole with arms, ammunition, 
clothing, and even provisions to carry on the war. From these facts came 
the positive conviction (expressed in the above-quoted letter) that without 
their surrender a state of amity with Great Britain could not long be con- 
tinued. The surrender of these posts, thus urged by Washington, was incor- 
porated in Article II. of the "Jay Treaty," concluded at London, October 
25, 1795, it being stipulated that His Majesty should withdraw all his troops 
and garrisons from all posts and places within the boundary lines assigned 
by the treaty of peace with the United States ; this evacuation was to take 
place on or before the first day of June, 1796. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBEE 14. 

At Germantown : " Love is a mighty pretty thing, but 
like all other delicious things it is cloying ; and when the 
first transport of the passion begins to subside, which it 
assuredly will do, and yield — oftentimes too late — to more 
sober reflections, it serves to evince, that love is too dainty 
a food to live upon alone, and ought not to be considered 
further than as a necessary ingredient for that matrimonial 
happiness which results from a combination of causes ; none 
of which are of greater importance than that the object on 
whom it is placed should possess good sense, — good disposi- 
tions, — and the means of supporting you in the way you 
have been brought up, and who, at the same time, has a 
claim to the respect of the circle in which he moves." — 
Washington to Eliza Parke Custis. 

Eliza Parke Custis, to whom this letter was addressed, was the eldest 
child of John Parke Custis, the son of Mrs. "Washington, who died in No- 
vember, 1781. At the date of the letter she was living at Hope Park, Fair- 
fax County, Virginia, with her mother, who had married Dr. David Stuart, 
their former residence having been at Abingdon. Miss Custis married 
(March 21, 1796) Thomas Law, who had been chief of a large district in 
Bengal. In England his family was opulent and distinguished. Her sister 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 283 

Martha Parke Custis married (January 6, 1795), at the age of seventeen, 
Thomas Peter, son of Kichard Peter, of Georgetown, Maryland. Tlie two 
younger children, Eleanor Parke and George Washington Parke Custis, 
were brought up at Mount Vernon, as has been previously stated. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBEE 20. 

At Philadelphia : " September 21. — We left our Quarters 
at German Town yesterday, and are again fixed in this 
City." — Washington to William Pearce. 

The President occupied the same house at Germantown in 1794 as in the 
previous year. Under date of September 24, 1794, the following entry 
occurs in his Cash-Book : "Isaac Franks in Full for House rent &c at 
Germ town p' rect.— 201.60." 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. 

At Philadelphia : " I leave this on Tuesday for Carlisle, 
where I shall (from the information I expect to receive from 
the Insurgent Counties of this state) be better enabled to 
determine whether I shall proceed on with the Troops, than 
I can do here." — Washington to William Pearce. 

" September 29. — The insurgents in the back country have carried matters 
so high that the President has been obliged to send a large body of men 
to settle the matter, and is to go himself tomorrow to Carlyle to meet 
the troops. God knows when he will return again. I shall be left quite 
alone with the children." — Mrs. Washington to Mrs. George Augustine Wash- 
ington. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. 

Leaves Philadelphia: '■'■ September 30. — Having determined 
from the Report of the Commissioners, who w^ere appointed 
to meet the Insurgents in the Western Counties in the State 
of Pennsylvania, and from other circumstances — to repair 
to the places appointed for the Rendezvous, of the Militia 
of New Jersey Pennsylvania Maryland & Virginia ; I left 
the City of Philadelphia about half past ten o'clock this 
forenoon accompanied by Col° Hamilton (Secretary of the 
Treasury) and my private Secretary [Bartholomew Dan- 



284 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

dridge].* Dined at Norris Town and lodged at a place 
called the Trap — the first 17, and the latter 25 miles from 
Philadelphia." — Washington'' s Diary. 

" At Norris Town we passed a detachment of Militia who were preparing 
to March for the Kendezvous at Carlisle— and at the Trap late in the evening, 
we were overtaken by Major [John] Stagg principal Clerk in the Depart- 
ment of War with letters from Gen' Wayne & the Western Army contain- 
ing official & pleasing accounts of his engagement [August 20th] with the 
Indians near the British Post at the Rapids of the Miami of the Lake — 
and of his having destroyed all the Indian Settlements on that Eiver in the 
Vicinity of the said Post quite up to the grand Glaize — the quantity not less 
than 5000 Acres— and the Stores &c. of Col" McGlee [M'Kee] the British 
Agent of Indian Affairs a mile or two from the Garrison." — Washington's 
Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1. 

At Reading, Pennsylvania : " October 1. — Left the Trap 
early, and breakfasting at Pottsgrove 11 Miles we reached 
Reading to Dinner 19 miles farther where we found several 
detachm*' of Infantry & Cavalry preparing for their March 
to Carlisle." — Washington's Diary. 

" October 2. — An accident happening to one of my horses, occasion* my 
setting out later than was intended — I got off in time, however, to make a 
halt (to bait my horses) at Womelsdorps [Womelsdorf] 14 miles and to 
view the Canal from Myerstown towards Lebanon — and the Locks between 
the two places ; which (four adjoining each other, in the dissent from the 
Summit ground along the Tulpihockin ; built of Brick ;) appeared admira- 
bly constructed. — ^Reached Lebanon at Night, 28 miles." — Washington's 
Diary. 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3. 

At Harrisburg, Pennsylvania : " October 3. — ^Breakfasted 
at Humels T[own]. 14 M and dined and lodged at Harris- 

* " September 30. — That great and good man General Washington, Presi- 
dent of the United States, set out from his house on Market Street, with 
Secretary Hamilton on his left and his Private Secretary on his right, to 
head the troops called out to quell the insurrection to the westward." — 
Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 285 

burgh on the Banks of the Susquehanna 23 miles from 
Lebanon. 

" At Harrisburgh we found the first Regiment of l!Tew 
Jersey (about 560 strong) comm** by Col° Turner drawn out 
to receive me — passed along the line, to my Quarters — and 
after dinner walked through and round the Town which is 
considerable for its age (of about 8 or 9 years) — The Sus- 
quehanna at this place abounds in the Rock fish of 12 or 15 
Inches in length & a fish which they call Salmon." — Wash- 
ington's jyiary. 

" Harrisburgh, October 6. — On Friday last [October 3], the president of 
the United States arrived in this town. The pleasure excited, in beholding, 
for the first time, our beloved chief, in this borough, is not easily described. 
An address was delivered to him, by the burgesses, in behalf of the inhab- 
itants of the town, which he was pleased to answer." — Dunlap and Clay- 
poole's American Daily Advertiser, October 16. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4. 

At Carlisle, Pennsylvania : " October 4. — Forded the Sus- 
quehanna ; nearly a mile wide, including the Island. At 
the lower end of w""" the road crosses it. On the Cumber- 
land side I found a detachment of the Philadelphia light 
horse ready to receive, and escort me to Carlisle 17 miles ; 
where I arrived about 11 Oclock. — two miles short of it, I 
met the Governors of Pennsylvania [Thomas Mitflin] & 
Kew Jersey [Richard Howell] with all the Cavalry that had 
Rendezvoused at that place drawn up — passed them — and 
the Infantry of Pennsylvania before I alighted at my 
quarters." — Washington's Diary. 

" Carlisle, October 8. — On Saturday last [October 4] the President of the 
United States arrived here. Every exertion was made by the respectable 
army now encamped, and by the inhabitants of this place to receive him 
with that respect correspondent to those sentiments of attachment and 
veneration, with which every good man and patriot had been long impressed. 
The Governors of Pennsylvania and Jersey, at the head of their respective 
squadrons of horse, and the friends of government inhabitants of this town, 
met him at some distance from the borough. The President was escorted 



286 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

by a detachment of Philadelphia horse, who left the camp at three o'clock 
in the morning of that day, and who arrived at the river as he had just 
passed it. He was accompanied by Secretary Hamilton, and his private 
secretarv Mr. Dandridge. This grand procession passed through the borough 
to the camp. Here the horse formed on the right and left wings of the 
army, drawn up in martial order, and forming a line the most respecta- 
ble ever pei-haps before displayed. Besides the great mass of respectable 
yeomanry, there might be seen as private troopers some of the principal 
officers of the state government, members of the senate and house of repre- 
sentatives of Pennsylvania, officers who had commanded regiments in 
the continental service, merchants of the most respectable characters and 
fortunes, lawyers of eminent talents and property. Amongst the infantry 
as volunteer soldiers, there are young gentlemen of the first families in the 
respective states. Some of them men of great opulence, and a number of 
them of consequence in the commercial world. 

" The line was composed of the cavalry before mentioned, a regiment of 
artillery with 16 pieces, with the infantry from various parts of Pennsyl- 
vania, amounting in the whole to near three thousand men beautifully 
equipped, and all in handsome uniforms. The army was reviewed by the 
President who appeared to enjoy the utmost satisfaction at the illustrious 
display of patriotic exertion ; he remarked, as we are informed, that he had 
never beheld a more respectable body of troops, and some gentlemen who 
had been American officers in the late war with Great Britain, admitted 
that they had never seen at any period of the war so strong and fine a 
body of cavalry. In the evening the court house in this borough was 
illuminated by the federal citizens, and a transparency exhibited with the 
following inscriptions in large illuminated characters — in the front of the 
transparency, 'WASHINGTON IS EVER TRIUMPHANT.' On one 
side 'THE REIGN OF THE LAWS;' on the other side, 'WOE TO 
ANARCHISTS.' "—Dimiop a«d Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 
October 17. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5. 

At Carlisle : " October 5. — Went to the Presbiterian Meet- 
ing and heard Doct' Davidson Preach a political Sermon, 
recommendatory of order & good government ; and the ex- 
cellence of that of the United States." — Washington's Biar)/. 

''October 6th* to October 12.— Employed in organizing the several de- 
tachments, which had come in from different Counties of this State, in a 
very disjointed & loose manner ; — or rather I ought to have said in urging 

* On Monday, October 6, a number of the principal inhabitants of Car- 
lisle presented the President with an address, which he answered. 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 287 

& assisting Gen^ Mifflin to do it ; as I no otherwise took the command of the 
Troops than to press them forward, and to provide them with necessaries 
for their March, as well, & as far, as our means would admit. — To effect 
these purposes, I appointed General [Edward] Hand adjutant General on 
the 7th. On the 9lh William Findlay and David Kedick — deputed by the 
Committee of Safety (as it is dissignated) which met on the 2d of this month 
at Parkinson's Ferry [now Monongahela City] arrived in Camp with the 
Kesolutions of the said Committee; — and to give information of the State 
of things in the four Western Counties of Pennsylvania to wit — Washing- 
ton Fayette Wesf^ [Westmoreland] & Allegany in order to see if it would 
prevent the March of the Army into them. — At 10 o'clock I had a meeting 
with these persons in the presence of Gov'' Howell (of New Jersey) the 
Secretary of the Treasury, Col" Hamilton, & M"' Dandridge : — Gov'' Mifflin 
was invited to be present, but excused himself on Ace* of business. . . . 
On the 10* the light & legionary Corps under the immediate Command of 
Maj"" [William] M^Pherson — The Jersey Regiment & Guirneys [Colonel 
Francis Gurney] from Philadelphia, commenced their March under the 
orders of Governor Howell ; and the day following the whole body of Cav- 
alry (except the three Troops of Phil* Horse commanded by Capt° [John] 
Dunlap, as part of the legion above mentioned) under Genl White * — a new 
formed Corp of Independant uniform Companies under & several other 
Corps under the Command of Gov' Mifflin Marched all for the Rendezvous 
at Bedford." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12. 

At Chambersburg, Pennsylvania: " October 12. — Having 
settled these matters ; seen the Troops o"flr, as before men- 
tioned ; given them their Rout & days Marching ; and left 
Maj' Gen^ [William] Irvine to organize the remainder of 
the Pennsylvania detachments as they might come in, & to 
March them & the Jersey Troops on M^hen refreshed, — I set 
out from Carlisle about 7 o'clock this Morning — dined at 
Shippensburgh 21 miles & lodged at Chambersburgh 11 m. 
further where I was joined by the Adg* Gen' Hand.'' — 
Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13. 

At Williamsport, Maryland : " October 13. — ^Breakfasted 
at Greencastle [Pennsylvania] 10 Miles, & lodged at Wil- 
liamsport, 14 Miles further." — Washington'' s Diary. 

* Anthony W. White, Adjutant-General of New Jersey. 



288 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

" WiUiamspori, October 14. — "With pleasure we announce to the public, 
that the President of the United States arrived here last evening, in good 
health — his presence made every heart rejoice, and beat high with aflFectiou 
and gratitude — last night every window was illuminated — Early this morn- 
ing he set out for Cumberland " — Diinlap and Ciaypoole^s American Daily 
Advertiser, October 25. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBEK 14. 

At Bath, Virginia : " October 14. — About Seven o'clock, 
or half after it, we left Williamsport ; and travelling up, on 
the Maryland side of the River, we breakfasted at one 

13 miles on our way — & crossing the Potomac a mile 

or two below Hancock Town lodged at the Warm Springs ; 
or Bath [now Berkeley Springs, Morgan County, West 
Virginia] ; 16 miles, from our breakfasting stage — and 29 
from Williamsport." — Washington's Diary. 



" October 15. — Left Bath by seven oclock ; & crossing the Cacapehon 
Mountain, and the Potoraack River by a very rough Road, we breakfasted 
at one Goldens — distant about 7 Miles — Bated our horses at a very indif- 
ferent place ab' 13 Miles further on — and lodged at the old Town 33 or 34 
INIiles — This distance from the extreme badness of the Road, more than half 
of it being very hilly, & great part of it Stoney, was a severe days journey 
for the Carriage horses; they performed it however well." — Washington's 
Diary. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16. 

At Cumberland, Maryland : " October 16. — After an early 
breakfast we set out for Cumberland — and about 11 o'clock 
arrived there. — Three Miles from the Town I was met by 
a party of Horse under the command of Major [George] 
Lewis (my Nephew) and by Brig' Gen' [Samuel] Smith of 
the Maryland line, who Escorted me to the Camp ; where, 
finding all the Troops under Arms, I passed along the line 
of the Army ; & was conducted to a house the Residence 
of Major Lynn of the Maryland line (an old Continental 
Officer) where I was well lodged & civily entertained." — 
Washington's Diary. 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 289 

" October 17th & 18th. — Remained at Cumberland, in order to acquire a 
true knowledge of the strength condition &c of the Troops ; — and to see 
how they were provided, and when they could be got in readiness to pro- 
ceed. — I found upward of 3200 men (Officers included) in this encampment; 
Understood that about 500 more were at a little Village on the Virginia 
side, 11 Miles distant, called Frankfort, under the command of Maj' Gen' 
[Daniel] Morgan ; that 700 more had arrived at that place the evening of 
the IS"" und"' Brigf Mathews — and 500 More were expected in the course of 
a few days under Col" Page — and That the whole were well supplied with 
Prov"' Forage & Straw. — Having requested that every thing might be 
speedily arranged for a forward movement, and a light Corps to be organ- 
ized for the advance under the command of Major Gen' Morgan, I resolved 
to proceed to Bedford next morn^." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19. 

At Bedford, Pennsylvania : " October 19. — In company 
with Gen^ Lee, who I requested to attend me, that all the 
arrangements necessary for the Army's crossing the Mount"" 
in two columns might be made; — Their Routs & days 
Marches fixed, that the whole might move in Unison — and 
accompanied by the Adjutant General and my own family 
we set out, ab* eight oclock, for Bedford, and making one 
halt at the distance of 12 Miles, reached it a little after 4 
oclock in the afternoon being met a little out of the En- 
campment by Gov'' Mifflin Gov' Howell — & several other 
Officers of distinction. — 

" Quarters were provided for me at the House of a M' 
[David] Espy, Prothonotary of the County of Bedford — 
to which I was carried & lodged very comfortably." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

" October 19. — The Cavalry this morning escorted the President about 
five miles from [the Cumberland] camp when he requested the Troops to 
return & taking leave spoke to Major George Lewis as follows : ' George, 
You are the eldest of five nephews that I have in this Army, let your con- 
duct be an example to them and do not turn your back untill you are or- 
dered.' . . . The Presidents 5 nephews are Major George Lewis, Commandant 
of the Cavalry. Major Lawrence Lewis Aid de Camp to Major Genl Mor- 
gan. Mr. Howell Lewis in Capt. Mercer's troop and Mr. Sam' "Washington 
(son of Col. Ch's Washington), and Mr. Lawrence Washington (son of 

19 



290 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

Col. Sam'] Washington) both of whom are light horsemen in the troop 
lately commanded by Capt. Lewis." — Diary of Robert Wellford, Surgeon- 
General. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20. 

At Bedford : " October 20.— Called the Quarter Master 
General, Adjutant General, Contractor, & others of the 
Staff departm* before me, & the Commander in chief 
[Henry Lee], at 9 oclock this morning, in order to fix on 
the Routs of the two columns & their stages ; — and when 
they w*^ be able to put the Army in motion. — Also to obtain 
a correct return of the strength — and to press the command- 
ing Ofiicers of Corps to prepare with all the Celerity in their 
power for a forward movement. — Upon comparing ace*' it 
was found that the army could be put in motion [on the] 
23'^ — and it was so ordered. . . . Matters being thus arranged 
I wrote a farewell address to the Army through the Com- 
mander in chief Gov"" Lee — to be published in orders — and 
having prepared his Instructions and made every arrange- 
ment that occurred, as necessary I prepared for my return 
to Philadelphia in order to meet Congress, and to attend to 
the Civil duties of my Office." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21. 

Leaves Bedford : " Bedford, October 23. — "We understand 
the President of the United States left Bedford, on his return 
to Philadelphia, on Tuesday last [October 21]." — Durdap 
and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, October 28. 

" From Cumberland and Bedford, the army marched in two divisions 
into the country of the insurgents. As had been foreseen, the greatness of 
the force prevented the effusion of blood. The disaffected did not venture 
to assemble in arms. Several of the leaders who had refused to give assur- 
ances of future submission to the laws were seized, and some of them de- 
tained for legal prosecution. A Mr. Bradford, who, in the latter stages of 
the insurrection, had manifested a peculiar degree of violence, and had 
openly advocated the appeal to arras, made his escape into the territories of 
Spain. 

" But although no direct and open opposition was made, the spirit of 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 291 

insurrection was by no means subdued. A sour and malignant temper dis- 
played itself, which indicated but too plainly that the disposition to resist 
had only sunk under the pressure of the great military force brought into 
the country, but would rise again should that force be suddenly removed. 
It was, therefore, thought advisable to station for the winter, a detachment, 
to be commanded by major general Morgan, in the centre of the disaffected 
country. 

" Thus, without shedding a drop of blood, did the prudent vigour of the 
executive terminate an insurrection which, at one time, threatened to shake 
the government of the United States to its foundation." — Marshall's Wash- 
ington, vol. V. p. 589. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26. 

At Wright's Ferry : * " Thus far I have proceeded with- 
out accident to man horse or carriage, altho' the latter has 
had wherewith to try its goodness ; especially in ascending 
the North Mountain from Skinners by a wrong road ; that 
is, — by the old road which never was good and is rendered 
next to impassible by neglect. . . . 

" I rode yesterday afternoon thro' the rain from York 
Town to this place, and got twice in the height of it hung 
(and delayed by that means) on the rocks in the middle of 
the Susquehanna. ... I do not intend further than Lan- 
caster to-day. — But on Tuesday, if no accident happens I 
expect to be landed in the City of Philadelphia." — Wash- 
ington to Alexander Hamilton. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28. 

At Philadelphia : " October 29. — Yesterday morning the 
President of the United States, and his suite arrived in 
town from Bedford." — Dunlap and Claypoole's American 
Daily Advertiser. 

^'■Philadelphia, 31 October. — By pushing through the rain, which fell 
more or less on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, I arrived in this city before 
noon on Tuesday, without encountering any accident on the road, or any- 
thing more unpleasant than the badness of the ways, after the rains had 

* On the Susquehanna, now Columbia, Lancaster County, Pennsyl- 
vania. 



292 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

softened the earth and made them susceptible of a deep impression of the 
wheels." — Washington to Alexander Hamilton. 

THUKSDAY, OCTOBER 30. 

At Philadelphia : " November 1. — The Chevalier de Freire 
was on Thursday [October 30] presented by the Secretary 
of State, to the President, as Minister Resident of Her Most 
Faithful Majesty [Maria-Frances-Isabella, Queen of Portu- 
gal], to the United States of America, and was received as 
such. 

" We also hear that Madam Freire was yesterday [Oc- 
tober 31,] introduced to the President and Mrs. Washing- 
ton." — Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19. 

At Philadelphia: ^^ November 19. — This Day at twelve 
o'clock the President of the United States met both Houses 
of the Legislature, in the Chamber of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, and delivered his Address." — Dunlap and Clay- 
poole's America}! Daily Advertiser. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22. 

At Philadelphia : " November 22. — This day the Senate 
waited on the President of the United States, and the Vice 
President in their name presented him with an answer to 
his speech to both Houses of Congress." — Dunlap and Clay- 
poole's American Daily Advertiser. 

" December 1. — Last Saturday [November 29] at twelve o'clock the House 
of Representatives of the United States waited on the President with their 
answer to his speech." — Idem. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4. 

At Philadelphia : " December 4. — We are happy in an- 
?\r.^^(y: f.*^' " nouncing to the public that the President of the United 

ibiu*^ v-AA> States means to honor the Old American Company with 

r .. . < his presence at the Theatre this evening." — The Aurora. 



1794] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 293 

"Old American Company.— THEATRE.— CEDAE [or South] Street. 
—LAST NIGHT THIS SEASON.— FOR THE BENEFIT of Mr. and 
Mrs. HALLAM. — This Evening, Thursday, December 4. — Will be pre- 
sented, a Comedy, called THE YOUNG QUAKER ; or The Fair Phila- 
delphian. "Written by O'Keefe, and performed in London with the most 
unbounded applause. — End of the Play (by particular desire) the Panto- 
mime Ballet of the TWO PHILOSOPHERS.— To which will be added, a 
new Musical Piece, called The CHILDREN in the Wood.— The MUSIC 
by Dr. Arnold, with additional SONGS by Mr. Carr. — End of the Farce, 
Mr. Martin will recite Dr. Goldsmith's celebrated Epilogue in the character 
of Harlequin. — The whole to conclude with a LEAP through A Barrel of 
FIRE."- /c?em. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10. 

At Philadelphia : " December 11. — Yesterday returned 
from the western expedition Macpherson's volunteer bat- 
talion of blues,* headed by their friend general [Frederick] 
Frelinghuysen, who commanded the legion. At Broad- 
Street they were received under a discharge of artillery by 
a detachment which went out for that purpose — from Schuyl- 
kill they were escorted into the city by Captains [John] 
Dunlap, [Abraham] Singer, and [Matthew] M'Connell's 
Horse, in full uniform — their companions in the late truly 
glorious, successfiil, and bloodless expedition. . . . As they 
passed the President's House who was at the door, the band 
played ; the Father of his country, expressed in his coun- 
tenance, more than can be described." — Dunlap and Clay- 
poole's American Daily Advertiser. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30. 

At Philadelphia : " The considerations, which you have 
often suggested to me, and which are repeated in your 
letter of the 28th instant, as requiring your departure from 
your present office, are such as to preclude the possibility 

* A special body of volunteers formed for the purpose of assisting in quell- 
ing the "Whiskey Insurrection." They were organized into a battalion, 
and in compliment to their commander, Major William Macpherson, styled 
themselves " Macpherson Blues." On the threatened war with France in 
1798 the " Blues" were reorganized. 



-fV„,, \- 



294 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1794 

of my urging your continuance in it. This being the case, 
I can only wish that it was otherwise. 

" I cannot suffer you, however, to close your public ser- 
vice, without uniting with the satisfaction, which must 
arise in your own mind from a conscious rectitude, my 
most perfect persuasion, that you have deserved well of 
your country." — Washiiigton to Henry Knox, 

Timothy Pickering, at this time Postmaster-General, was appointed to 
succeed General Knox as Secretary of War on January 2, 1795. 



I79?- 



THUKSDAT, JANUAKY 1. 

At Philadelphia : Issues a proclamation appointing Thurs- 
day, the nineteenth day of February, as a " Day of Public 
Thanksgiving and Prayer." 

THUKSDAY, JANUARY 22. 

At Philadelphia : " A month from this day, if I should 
live to see the completion of it, will place me on the wrong 
(perhaps it would be better to say on the advanced) side of 
my grand climateric; and although I have no cause to 
complain of the want of health, I can religiously aver, that 
no man was ever more tired of public life, or more de- 
voutly wished for retirement than I do." — Washington to 
Edmund Pendleton. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28. 

At Philadelphia : " A plan for the establishment of a 
university in the Federal City has frequently been the sub- 
ject of conversation ; but, in what manner it is proposed to 
commence this important institution, on how extensive a 
scale, the means by which it is to be affected, how it is to 
be supported, or what progress is made in it, are matters 
altogether unknown to me." — Washington to the Commis- 
sioners of the Federal District. 

In continuing this letter, Washington wrote, " It has always been a 
source of serious reflection and sincere regret with me, that the youth of 
the United States, should be sent to foreign countries for the purpose of 
education. Although there are doubtless many, under these circumstances, 

295 



296 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

who escape the danger of contracting principles unfavorable to republican 
government, yet we ought to deprecate the hazard attending ardent and 
susceptible minds, from being too strongly and too early prepossessed in 
favor of other political systems, before they are capable of appreciating 
their own. 

" For this reason I have greatly wished to see a plan adopted, by which 
the arts, sciences, and belles-lettres could be taught in their fullest extent, 
thereby embracing all the advantages of European tuition, with the means 
of acquiring the liberal knowledge, which is necessary to qualify our citizens 
for the exigencies of public as well as private life; and (which with me is a 
consideration of great magnitude) by assembling the youth from the different 
parts of this rising republic, contributing from their intercourse and inter- 
change of information to the removal of prejudices, which might perhaps 
sometimes arise from local circumstances." * 

MONDAY, FEBKUAKY 2. 

At Philadelphia : " After so long an experience of your 
public services, I am naturally led at this moment of your 
departure from office (which it has always been my wish to 
prevent), to review them. In every relation, which you 
have borne to me, I have found that my confidence in your 
talents, exertions, and integrity has been well placed. I 
the more freely render this testimony of my approbation, 
because I speak from opportunities of information, which 
cannot deceive me, and which furnish satisfactory proof of 
your title to public regard. My most earnest wishes for 
your happiness will attend you in your retirement." — 
Washington to Alexander Hamiltoii. 

Mr. Hamilton resigned the office of Secretary of the Treasury on the 31st 
of January. Oliver Wolcott, Jr., was appointed his successor on the 3d of 
February. 



* The national university in which the first President took so much in- 
terest, and towards the endowment of which he bequeathed the fifty shares 
of the Potomac Company donated to him by the State of Virginia, has not 
as yet been established. Several attempts, however, have been made to 
procure the proper legislation, but no positive action by Congress has been 
taken. The site selected by Washington is now occupied by the National 
Observatory. 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 297 

THUKSDAY, FEBRUARY 19. 

At Philadelphia : Thanksgiving Day. Attends Christ 
Church, Second Street above Market.* 

"On a thanksgiving day appointed by the President for the suppression 
of the western insurrection,! I preached a sermon in his presence. The sub- 
ject was the Connection between Religion and Civil Happiness. It was 
misrepresented in one of our newspapers. This induced the publishing of 
the sermon,J with a dedication to the President, pointedly pleading his 
proclamation in favour of the connection affirmed. . . . 

"The father of our country, whenever in this city, as well during the 
revolutionary war as in his Presidency, attended divine service in Christ 
Church of this city ; except during one winter [1781-82] ; when, being here 
for the taking of measures with Congress towards the opening of the next 
campaign, he rented a house ^ near St. Peter's Church [Third and Pine 
Streets], then in parochial union with Christ Church. During that season, 
he attended regularly at St. Peter's. His behaviour was always serious and 
attentive ; but as your letter seems to intend an inquiry on the point of 
kneeling during the service, I owe it to truth to declare, that I never saw 
him in the said attitude. During his Presidency, our vestry provided him 
with a pew, ten yards in front of the reading desk. It was habitually occu- 
pied by himself, by Mrs. "Washington, who was regularly a communicant, 
and by his secretaries." — William White to the Rev. B. B. C. Parker, No- 
vember 28, 1832. 



* This building, erected 1727-44, is still standing in perfect preservation ; 
present rector. Rev. Charles Ellis Stevens. 

t This was not a thanksgiving day appointed especially for the suppres- 
sion of the Western or "Whiskey Insurrection, but was the date named in 
the President's proclamation of January 1, for a " Day of Public Thanks- 
giving and Prayer," in which mention was made of the "seasonable con- 
troul which has been given to a spirit of disorder in the suppression of the 
late insurrection." 

J "A Sermon on the Reciprocal Influences of Civil Policy and Religious 
Duty. Delivered in Christ Church, in the City of Philadelphia, on Thurs- 
day, the 19th of February, 1795, Being a day of General Thanksgiving. 
By "William "White, D.D. , Bishop of the Protestant Epi-scopal Church in the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: March 2, 1795." 8vo, 
pp. 36. 

§ No. 110 South Third Street, between "Walnut and Spruce Streets. This 
house, which at the time was the property of Benjamin Chew, was taken 
down about 1830. The house which now stands on the site is known as 
No. 242 South Third Street. 



298 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

FKIDAY, FEBKUARY 20. 

At Philadelphia : " February 20. — Cash paid M"" John 
Greenwood of the City of New York in full for his services 
as Dentist to the present date, viz. 60 Dollars, sent by Post 
in B. Notes." — Washington'' s Cash-Book. 

This early practitioner of dentistry in America was the son of Isaac 
Greenwood, of Boston, the first to follow the profession in that city. He 
enlisted at the early age of fifteen in the Revolutionary army, was in the 
battle of Bunker Hill, and served in the expedition to Canada under General 
Arnold. He was also at the battle of Trenton, and afterward entered the 
naval privateer service, in which he remained until the close of the war. 
Mr. Greenwood then settled in New York, and became known as a success- 
ful dentist ; he has the reputation of being the first in the United States to 
strike up a gold plate to serve as a base for artificial teeth, without a 
knowledge of it ever having been done before that time, 1799. 

John Greenwood, however, is best known as being the dentist of the first 
President, his services beginning at New York in 1789, at which time he 
constructed for him a complete set of teeth, including both upper and lower 
jaws. The entire upper portion was carved from a piece of sea-horse or hip- 
popotamus tusk ; into the lower portion, worked out of the same material, 
human teeth were inserted and fixed permanently by means of gold pivots. 
He afterward constructed other sets for the President. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23. 

At Philadelphia : " February 24. — Sunday last was the 
Birth-day of the President of the United States, when he 
entered into the Sixty-Fourth year of his age. The Auspi- 
cious Anniversary was yesterday celebrated with every 
expression of respect becoming the Members of a Free Ke- 
public towards the Father of his Country. The Members of 
both Houses of Congress — Foreign Ministers — the Eever- 
end Clergy, and other Citizens, and respectable Foreigners, 
assembled at the House of the President, to oifer their con- 
gratulations. 

" At noon, a Federal salute was fired by a detachment of 
the Artillery — immediately after both Branches of the Leg- 
islature of this Commonwealth, preceded by the Governor, 
the President of the Senate [William Bingham], and Speaker 
of the House of Representatives [George Latimer], the Offi- 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 299 

cers of the Militia — and the Members of the Cincinnati, 
went in procession from the State House, escorted by a 
Military Corps, to the House of the President of the United 
States — to present their felicitations on the occasion." — 
Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 

" February 26. — On Monday last [February 23] the anniversary of the 
President's birth was celebrated. The artillery announced the dawning of 
the day by a federal salute. In the morning the President was waited on 
by Congress, the Cincinnati, and a vast number of citizens. In the evening 
he attended at a ball and supper given in honour of the day, by the City 
Dancing Assembly. The rooms were crowded by a brilliant assemblage of 
the Fair of the metropolis. Near 150 ladies, and nearly twice the number of 
citizens were present. A greater display of beauty and elegance no country, 
we believe, could ever boast of. Most of the foreign Ministers attended 
with their ladies. 

" After the supper the President gave the following toast : ' The Dancing 
Assembly of Philadelphia — May the members thereof, and the Fair who 
honour it with their presence, long continue in the enjoyment of an amuse- 
ment so innocent and agreeable.' " — Idem. 

"The President's birth-day was celebrated with uncommon zeal and 
attachment, and I never saw him in better health and spirits. The crowds 
of gentlemen that waited on him in the day were innumerable, and in the 
Assembly at night it was scarcely possible to move. I came off a little 
after eight, having business of great importance to attend to, and indeed 
the room was much too crowded to be comfortable. ' ' — Jaynes Iredell to Mrs. 
Iredell, February 26. 

FKIDAY, FEBRUAEY 27. 

At Philadelphia : " February 28, 1795. — I received [Feb- 
ruary 24] an invitation by my father from Mrs. Washington 
to visit her, and Col. [Thomas] Hartley politely oifered to 
accompany me to the next drawing-room levee. 

" On this evening my dress was white brocade silk, 
trimmed with silver, and white silk, high-heeled shoes, em- 
broidered with silver, and a light blue sash, with silver cord 
and tassel tied at the left side. My watch was suspended 
at the right, and my hair was in its natural curls. Sur- 
mounting all was a small white hat and white ostrich- 
feather, confined by brilliant band and buckle. Punctual 
to the moment, Col. Hartley, in his chariot, arrived. He 



300 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

brought with him Dr. Price, from England, who has sought 
America as an asykim, having given some political umbrage 
to his ow^n government. 

" The hall, stairs, and drawing-room of the President's 
house were lighted by lamps and chandeliers. Mrs. Wash- 
ington, with Mrs. Knox, sat near the lire-place. Other 
ladies were seated on sofas, and gentlemen stood in the 
centre of the room conversing. On our approach, Mrs. 
Washington arose and made a courtesy — the gentlemen 
bowed most profoundly — and I calculated my declension to 
her own with critical exactness. The President soon after, 
with that benignity peculiarly his own, advanced, and I 
arose to receive and return his compliments with the respect 
and love my heart dictated. He seated himself beside me, 
and inquired for my father, a severe cold having detained 
him at home." — Charlotte Chambers to Mrs. James Chambers. 

Charlotte Chambers, the writer of the above-quoted letter, was the 
daughter of General James Chambers, of the Pennsylvania line, and grand- 
daughter of Benjamin Chambers, the founder of Chambersburg, Pennsyl- 
vania. She married Israel Ludlow in November, 1796. In a subsequent 
letter, dated March 11, also to her mother, referring to a visit paid her by 
Mrs. Washington, she writes, " On taking leave, she observed a portrait of 
the President hanging over the fire-place, and said ' she had never seen a 
correct likeness of General Washington. The only merit the numerous 
portraits of him possessed was their resemblance to each other.' " 

Miss Chambers was also present at the birthnight ball, February 23, of 
which, in a letter dated the 25th, she gives her mother the following descrip- 
tion : ■* "Dr. Kodman, master of ceremonies, met us at the door, and con- 
ducted us to Mrs. Washington. She half arose as we made our passing 
compliments. She was dressed in a rich silk, but entirely without orna- 
ment, except the animation her amiable heart gives to her countenance. 
Next her were seated the wives of the foreign ambassadors, glittering from 
the floor to the summit of their headdress. One of the ladies wore three 
large ostrich-feathers. Her brow was encircled by a sparkling fillet of dia- 
monds ; her neck and arms were almost covered with jewels, and two 
watches were suspended from her girdle, and all reflecting the light from a 

* These letters are printed in a volume published at Philadelphia in 1856, 
entitled " Memoir of Charlotte Chambers, by her Grandson Louis H. 
Garrard. ' ' 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 301 

hundred directions. Such superabundance of ornament struck me as inju- 
dicious ; we look too much at the gold and pearls to do justice to the lady. 
However, it may not be in conformity to their individual taste thus deco- 
rating themselves, but to honor the country they represent. 

" The seats were arranged like those of an amphitheatre, and cords were 
stretched on each side of the room, about three feet from the floor, to pre- 
serve sufficient space for the dancers. "We were not long seated when 
General Washington entered, and bowed to the ladies as he passed round 
the room. 'He comes, he comes, the hero comes!'* I involuntarily but 
softly exclaimed. When he bowed to me, I could scarcely resist the im- 
pulse of my heart, that almost burst through my bosom, to meet him. The 
dancing soon after commenced." 

MONDAY, MARCH 9.t 

At Philadelphia : " I am directed by the President of the 
United States to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 7th inst., and that of the present day ; — and to express 
to you his regret at your despair of bringing your plan of a 
national monument to a fortunate issue." — Bartholomew 
Dandridge to Giuseppe Ceracchi. 

Giuseppe Ceracchi, an Italian sculptor, a pupil of Canova, came to this 
country in 1791. He sought the aid of Congress in the erection of a monu- 
ment to the American Revolution, but that body did not favor the design. 
Ceracchi modelled a bust of Washington from life in 1792, which, although 
rather severe in style, is claimed to be an admirable representation of the 
man. The mouth is particularly remarkable for its fidelity of expression. 
This bust is owned by the estate of the late Gouverneur Kemble, of New 
York. He also repeated it in colossal size. Ceracchi returned to Europe in 
1795, and was executed in 1802 for a supposed connection with an attempt 
to assassinate Napoleon. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 29. 

At Philadelphia : " March 30. — I dined yesterday with 
the President. He was in fine health and spirits, and so 

* The first line of a song written by Henry Carey, an English musician 
and poet, who died in 1743. His poems were first published at London in 
1713. 

t " March 9. — At four o'clock with the Speaker and twenty-two members 
of the [Pennsylvania] House [of Representatives], dined with President 
Washington. He was exceedingly affable to all."' — Diary of Jacob Hiltz- 
hehner. 



302 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

were Mrs. Washington and the whole family. There is 
now there an elderly sister of Miss Custis's [Eliza Parke 
Custis] not so handsome as herself, but she seems to be 
very agreeable." — James Iredell to Mrs. Iredell. 

THUKSDAY, APRIL 2. 

At Philadelphia : " Ajfrril 2. — We dined to-day with the 
President and Mrs. Washington, in company with Mr. and 
Mrs. Hammond, the Chevalier and Madame Frere (who is 
truly an elegant woman) Don Philip [Joseph De] Jaudennes 
and his lady, Mr. and Mrs. Van Berckel, Mr. and Mrs. 
Randolph, Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott, Mr. and Mrs. Pinckney, 
and Mr. and Mrs. Coxe. Madame Frere and Madame 
Jaudennes were brilliant with diamonds." — Mrs. William 
Cashing to . 

TUESDAY, APRIL 14. 

Leaves Philadelphia: '■^ April 16. — On Tuesday [April 
14] the President of the United States set out from this 
city for his seat at Mount Vernon." — Dunlap and Claypoole^s 
American Daily Advertiser. 

" Tuesday, April 14. — Left Phil* for Mt. V. reached "Wilmington. 
April 15. — Reached Rogers Susq". April 16. — Baltimore. April 17. — 
Bladensburgh. April 18. — George Town. April 19. — Mount Vernon and 
remained there until the 26*'^." — Washington'' s Diary. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 26. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " April 26. — Came to George 
Town. April 27. — In the federal city. April 28. — Arrived 
at Bladensburgh. April 29. — Baltimore. April 30. — 
Rogers's — Susquehanna. May 1. — Came to Wilmington. 
May 2. — Arrived at Philadelphia." — Washington's Diary. 

" Philadelphia., 4'^ May. — I arrived in this city on Saturday [May 2] at 
noon." — Washington to William Pearce. 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 303 

MONDAY, MAY 4. 

At Philadelphia : " I intended, but forgot when I was at 
Mount Vernon, to measure the size of the picture frames 
in the parlour ; which contains my picture * — Mrs. Wash- 
ington — and the two child^ I wish you to do it, and send 
me the account in your next letter. Measure the frames 
(I believe they are all of a size) from out to out ; and then 
on the inside, where they show the Canvas, or picture." — 
Washington to William. Pearce. 

SUNDAY, MAY 10. 

At Philadelphia : " I am sorry to find by your last reports 
that there has been two deaths in the family since I left 
Mount Vernon ; and one of them a young fellow. — I hope 
every necessary care and attention was aftbrded him. — I ex- 
pect little of this from McKoy [an overseer], — or indeed 
from most of his class ; for they seem to consider a Negro 
much in the same light as they do the brute beasts, on the 
farms ; and often treat them as inhumanly." — Washington to 
William Pearce. 

MONDAY, JUNE 8. 

At Philadelphia: ^^ June 9. — I dined yesterday in the 
family way with the President. . . . The whole family 
made the usual inquiries concerning you and sent you the 
usual compliments." — John Adams to Mrs. Adams. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 16. 

At Philadelphia : " Jime 18. — Mr. Adet was presented to 
the President on Tuesday [June 16], and, accompanied by 

* The three-quarter-length representing Washington in the costume of a 
colonel in the Virginia militia, painted by Charles Willson Peale at Mount 
Vernon, in May, 1772, the first original portrait of the Pater Patrias. George 
Washington Parke Custis, referring to this portrait in his "Recollections," 
says, " This splendid and most interesting picture formed the principal orna- 
ment of the parlor at Mount Vernon for twenty-seven years." The picture 
is now owned by General George W. C. Lee ; the original study for the head 
is in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 



li 



304 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

the Secretary of State made me a visit immediately after his 
audience. I was not at home, but in Senate. On Wednes- 
day morning I returned his visit at Oeller's hotel." — John 
Adams to Mrs. Adams. 

Pierre Auguste Adet succeeded M. Fauchet as minister from France to 
the United States. In 1797 he broke off diplomatic relations, presenting 
the note of the Directory declaring that France would treat neutrals as they 
allowed themselves to be treated by the English. Before returning to his 
own country he issued an address to the American people intended to inflame 
them against the policy of their government. 

FKIDAY, JULY 3. 

At Philadelphia : *' The treaty of Amity, Commerce and 
I^avigation, which has lately been before the Senate, has, as 
you will perceive, made its public entry into the Gazettes of 
this City. — Of course the merits, and demerits of it will 
(especially in its unfinished state), be freely discussed." — 
Washington to Alexander Hamilton. 

Mr. Jay closed his English mission by signing a treaty on November 19, 
1794. The treaty, in which, for the sake of peace, more was yielded than 
gained, was long on its passage, for it was not received by the President till 
March 7, a few days after the adjournment of Congress. Washington 
summoned the Senate to convene on Monday the 8th of June, and on that 
day laid before it the treaty and accompanying documents ; and on the 24th 
of the month, after a minute and laborious investigation, the Senate, by 
precisely a constitutional majority (twenty to ten), advised and consented to 
its conditional ratification. A sketch of the document appeared in the 
Aurora (June 29), and led Senator Stevens Thomson Mason, of Virginia, a 
strong opponent of the treaty, to send to that paper his copy, and on July 1 
it was issued by Bache in a pamphlet. The ratification of the treaty was 
signed by the President on the 18th of August. 

SATURDAY, JULY 4. 

At Philadelphia : " Jidy 6. — Saturday last being the An- 
niversary of Independence, the same was celebrated by every 
friend to the United States. The Day was ushered in with 
ringing of bells, which continued thro' the Day — The mili- 
tary paraded. Federal Salutes were fired. Public Bodies 
dined together — Congratulations were mutual, and the 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 305 

Father of his Country, received the Felicitations of every 
class of Citizens, civil, clerical and military." — Gazette of 
the United States. 

FRIDAY, JULY 10. 

At Pliiladelphia : Issues a proclamation granting a full, 
free, and entire pardon to all persons concerned in the 
" Whiskey Insurrection," in Western Pennsylvania, who had 
ffiven assurance of submission to the laws of the United 
States. The proclamation was not published till the 6th of 
August. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15. 

Leaves Philadelphia : " Juli/ 15. — President Washington 
about eight o'clock this morning set out for Mount Vernon 
in a two-horse phaeton for one person, his family in a coach 
and four horses, and two servants on horseback leading his 
saddle horse." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

" July 15. — Left Phila* with M" Washington & my family for M' Vernon 
— Dined at Chester «& lodged at Wilmington. July 16. — Breakfasted at 
Christ* dined at Elkton — & lodged at Susquehanna — One of my horses over- 
come with heat. July 17. — Breakfasted before I set out dined at Hartford 
& lodged at Websters. — bro* on the sick horse led. July 18. — Breakfasted 
in Baltim* — dined & lodged at Spurriers where my sick horse died. July 
19. — Breakfasted at Vanhornes— dined at Bladensburgh & lodged in Geo: 
Town. July 20. — After doing business with the Com" of the fed* City I 
proceeded on my journey & got home to dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, JULY 18. 

At Baltimore : Receives the resolutions, denouncing the 
Jay Treaty, passed by a meeting of the citizens of Boston, 
held on the 10th of the month. The resolutions were en- 
closed to him in a letter from the selectmen of that town 
dated the 13th. 

As any negotiation or amicable arrangements with Great Britain were 
extremely unpopular, the consent of the Senate to the ratification of the 
treaty was met with virulent opposition, and meetings in Boston, New York, 

20 



306 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, and other parts of the country were 
held and addresses and resolutions against the measure forwarded to the 
President. The first meeting of this character was the one held in Boston. 
Addresses to the chief magistrate and resolutions of town and country 
meetings were not the only means which were employed on this occasion 
to enlist the American people against the measures which had been advised 
by the Senate. An immense number of essays in opposition were written, 
which the friends of the instrument met by counter-efforts, and the gazettes 
of the day are replete with appeals to the passions and to the reason of those 
who are the ultimate arbiters of every political question. 



FKIDAT, JULY 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " I have not, as I mentioned to you 
in my last, heard much respecting the treaty since I left 
Philadelphia. At Baltimore I remained no longer than to 
breakfast. In Georgetown my whole time was spent in 
business with the commissioners ; and in Alexandria I did 
not stop. Yet the same leaven, that fermented the town of 
Boston, is at work, I am informed, in other places; but 
whether it will produce the same fruit remains to be de- 
cided." — Washington to Edmimd Randolph. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " The contents of your letters of the 
21st and 24th instant, which I received by Monday's post, 
the importance of some of their enclosures, and the per- 
turbed state of men's minds respecting the late treaty with 
Great Britain, together with the proceedings in some of the 
principal towns to embarrass the business, have determined 
me to repair to the seat of government." — Washington to 
Edmund Randolph. 

A meeting of the citizens of Philadelphia, for the purpose of passing 
resolutions against the treaty, was held at the State-House on July 25. After 
the business of the meeting was closed, a copy of the treaty was suspended 
on a pole and carried about the streets by a company of people, who at 
length stopped in front of the British minister's house (Mr. Hammond) and 
there burnt the treaty, and also before the door of the British consul 
(Phineas Bond), amidst the huzzas and acclamations of the populace. 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 307 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : '■^August 6. — Left home on my 
return to Philadelphia — met the Poto" C° at Geo : Town & 
lodged there. August 7. — Breakfasted at Bladensburgh — 
din** at Vanhornes & lodged at Spur". August 8. — Break- 
fasted at Baltimore — and diiied and loged at Websters. 
August 9. — Breakfasted at Hartford dined at Susquehanna 
and lodged at Charles town. August 10. — Breakfasted at 
Elkton — Dined at Newcastle and lodged at Wilmington. 
August 11. — Breakfasted at Chester and dined in Phil*." — 
Washington's Diary. 

"Expenses of my Journey to Philadelphia. — August 6. — At "Wise's 3.9. 
Turnpike 1.8. Ferriage Geo : Town 7.6 ; August 7. — Bill at Suters 2.6.7. 
Servants Do 3.9. Bill at Bladensb'g 8.9. Servants at Do 3.10. Bill at 
Vanhornes 15.6. Servants Do. 1.10^. Getting horses out of the Mire 1.7.6 ; 
August 8.— Bill at Spurriers l.U.O. Servants Do 11.7f Ferriage Elk- 
ridge 2.8. Bill at Baltimore 14.1. Servants at Do 3.9 ; August 9. — Bill at 
Websters 1.10.6. Servants at Do 2.0. Bill at Hartford 8.9. Servants Do 
3.0. Bill at Susquehanna 14.8. Servants at Do 1.10^ ; August 10. — Bill at 
Charlestown 1.1.8. Servants at D 1.10^. Bill at Elkton 14.6. Servants at 
Do l.lOf Porter at Mitchells 3.c. Bill at the Bear 3.10J. Ditto at New- 
castle 11.10. Ferry over Christa 2.10; August 11. — Bill at Wilmington 
1.2.10. Servants Do 11.7^. Ferry over Brandy-Wine 2.10. Bill at Chester 
10.9. Servants Do 2.0. Ferry over Schuylkill 1.6. Sundries pd for be- 
sides the above 1.10.11." — Washington's Memorandum-Book. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11. 

At Philadelphia: ^^ August 12. — The President of the 
United States arrived in town yesterday at noon." — Dunlap 
and ClaypooWs American Daily Adveriiser. 

On the day after the arrival of the President at Philadelphia (August 
12) the question respecting the immediate ratification of the treaty was 
brought before the Cabinet. " The secretary of state maintained singly the 
opinion, that during the existence of the provision order, and during the 
war between Britain and France, this step ought not to be taken. This 
opinion did not prevail. The resolution was adopted to ratify the treaty 
immediately, and to accompany the ratification with a strong memorial 
against the provision order, which should convey in explicit terms the sense 
of the American government on that subject. By this course, the views of 
the executive were happily accomplished. The order was revoked, and the 



308 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

ratifications of the treaty were exchanged." — Marshall's Life of Wash- 
ington, vol. V. p. 633. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20. 

At Philadelphia : " Your resignation of the office of 
State is received. Candor induces me to give you in a few 
words the following narrative of facts. The letter from M. 
Fauchet, with the contents of which jou were made ac- 
quainted yesterday, was, as you supposed, an intercepted 
one. It was sent by Lord Grenville to Mr. Hammond, by 
him put into the hands of the Secretary of the Treasury, 
by him shown to the Secretary of "War and the Attorney- 
General ; and a translation thereof was made by the former 
for me." — Washington to Edmund Randolph. 

Late in March, 1795, a French corvette was captured by a British man- 
of-war oft' Penmarch, and some of M. Fauchet's despatches to his govern- 
ment were taken. These despatches were sent to the British minister, Mr. 
Hammond, and by him given to Mr. Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury, 
July 28. The intercepted despatch was No. 10, dated 10 Brumaire (October 
31, 1794), and purported to give some '•precieiises confessions" of Mr. Ran- 
dolph on the Western insurrection. The inference from the general tenor of 
the despatch was, that the Secretary of State had shown himself accessible to 
a bribe from the French minister, and that he was at heart favorable to the 
Western insurrection, either from party motives or from others not known. 
The suspicion thus excited was strengthened by the fact that he had changed 
his mind respecting the ratification of the " Jay treaty," and had suggested 
difficulties and promoted delay. 

M. Fauchet wrote a declaration, however, as soon as it was known to him 
that his letter had been intercepted, and when he was on the point of leaving 
the country to return to France, denying in the most positive terms that 
Mr. Randolph had ever indicated to him a willingness to receive money for 
personal objects, and affirming that in his letter he had no intention of say- 
ing anything to the disadvantage of Mr. Randolph's character. 

On August 19, in the presence of Messrs. Wolcott and Pickering, Wash- 
ington gave to Mr. Randolph the intercepted despatch, and the Secretary 
requested an opportunity to throw his ideas on paper. Instead of so doing, 
he sent in his resignation that evening. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22. 

At Philadelphia : " The seaport towns, or rather parts of 
them, are involved, and are endeavouring as much as in 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 309 

them lies to involve the community at large, in a violent 
opposition to the treaty with Great Britain, which is ratified 
as far as the measure depends upon me. The general 
opinion, however, as far as I am able to come at it is, that 
the current is turning." — Washington to James Boss. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. 

Leaves Philadelphia : " September 10. — Tuesday last [Sep- 
tember 8] the President of the United States set out from 
this city for Mount Vernon." — Dunlap and ClaypooWs Amer- 
ican Daily Advertiser. 

" September 8. — Left Phil* for M' Vernon dined at Chester — & lodged at 
"Wilmington. September 9. — Breakfasted at Christiana dined at Elkton — & 
lodged at Charlestown. September 10. — Breakfasted at Susquehanna (M" 
Rogers's) dined at Harford — & loged at Websters. September 11. — Break- 
fasted at Baltimore dined & lodged at Spurriers. September 12. — Break- 
fasted at Van Horns Dined at Bladensburgh— «& lodged at George Town. 
September 13. — Breakfasted in George Town and reached M' Vernon to 
dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. 

At Mount Vernon : "If any power on earth could, or 
the Great Power above would, erect the standard of infalli- 
bility in political opinions, there is no being that inhabits 
this terrestrial globe, that would resort to it with more 
eagerness than myself, so long as I remain a servant of the 
public. But as I have found no better guide hitherto, than 
upright intentions and close investigation, I shall adhere to 
those maxims, while I keep the watch ; leaving it to those, 
who will come after me, to explore new ways, if they like 
or think them better." — Washington to Henry Knox. 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25. 

At Alexandria : " September 25. — Went to Alexandria — 
dined with M' & M" Lear.* September 26. — Returned home 
to dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

* Tobias Lear married Fanny "Washington, widow of George Augustine 
"Washington, early in August, 1795. His first wife, who died at Philadel- 



310 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " I shall not, whilst I have the honor 
to administer the government, bring a man into any office 
of consequence knowingly, whose political tenets are ad- 
verse to the measures, which the general government are 
pursuing ; for this, in my opinion, would be a sort of polit- 
ical suicide. That it would embarrass its movements is 
most certain. But of two men equally well affected to 
the true interests of their country, of equal abilities, and 
equally disposed to lend their support, it is the part of pru- 
dence to give the preference to him, against whom the 
least clamor can be excited." — Washington to Timothy Pick- 
ering. 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9. 

At Mount Vernon : " I can most religiously aver I have 
no wish, that is incompatible with the dignity, happiness, 
and true interest of the people of this country. My ardent 
desire is, and my aim has been, as far as depended upon the 
executive department, to comply strictly with all our en- 
gagements, foreign and domestic ; but to keep the United 
States free from political connexions with every other coun- 
try, to see them independent of all and under the influence 
of none. In a word, I want an American character, that 
the powers of Europe may be convinced we act for ourselves, 
and not for others." — Washington to Patrick Henry. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " I shall set out for Philadelphia 
this day ; but business with the commissioners of the Fed- 
eral City will detain me in George Town to-morrow, and of 
course keep me a day longer from the seat of government, 
than I expected." — Washington to Timothy Pickering. 

phia July 28, 1793, was Mary Long, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, his 
native place. 



\ 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 311 

''October 12.— Set out for PhiK October 13.— Stayed at Geo: Town. 
October 14. — Lodged at Spurriers. October 16.* — Lodged at Websters. 
October 17. — Lodged at Hartford. October 18. — Lodged at Elkton. October 
19. — Lodged at Wilmington. October 20. — Arrived at Phil." — Washing- 
ton's Diary. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBEK 20. 

At Philadelphia : " October 21. — Yesterday afternoon THE 
PRESIDENT arrived in town from the Southward."— 

Gazette of the United States. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBEE 25. 

At Philadelphia : " I want a Green Pocket book, w"^ is 
to be found in the hair trunk, which is usually put on my 
writing Table in the Study, with my Land papers. — The 
key of this trunk is under the lid of the writing Table. — it 
is tied to a bunch of other keys by a twine. — This Pocket 
book is of green parchment, and contains the courses, and 
distances of many surveys of the grounds &c in, and about 
my farms." — Washington to William Pearce. 

This book, which contains seventy-eight closely written pages in the 
handwriting of Washington, was sold at public sale in Philadelphia, De- 
cember, 1890, for two hundred and fifty dollars. The sale was made by 
order of the administrator of the estate of the widow of Lorenzo Lewis, 
who was the son of Lawrence Lewis and Nelly Custis. The sale included 
many articles from the household at Mount Vernon which were inherited 
by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Lewis. 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11. 

At Philadelphia : ''November 13.— MARRIED. On Wed- 
nesday last [November 11], by the Rev. Dr. [Robert] Black- 
well, Major WILLIAM JACKSON, to Miss ELIZA 
WILLING", daughter of Thomas Willing, Esq. President 
of the Bank of the United States." — Gazette of the United 
States. 

*"■ Baltimore. October 17. — Yesterday morning the President of the 
United States passed through this town on his way to the seat of govern- 
ment. We with pleasure add, that this venerable patriot appeared in per- 
fect health." — Gazette of the United States, October 20. 



312 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

" The ceremony was performed by Bishop White, assisted by his associate, 
Dr. Blackwell. Among those present were General and Mrs. Washington, 
Kobert Morris and his wife, Hamilton, Lincoln, Knox, Vicomte de Noailles, 
the brother-in-law of Lafayette, and many others who then added so much 
to the attraction of Philadelphia society." — Pennsylvania Magazine^ vol. ii. 
p. 366. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19. 

At Philadelphia : '' The office of Attorney-General of the 
United States is not yet filled. The reason why it is not, 
General Lee at my request, will frankly relate to you. If 
you could make it convenient, and agreeable to yourself to 
accept it, I should derive pleasure therefrom, both from 
public and private considerations." — Washington to Charles 
Lee. 

Charles Lee, of Virginia, brother of General Henry Lee, was appointed 
Attorney-General on December 10, succeeding William Bradford, who died 
August 23, and on the same day Timothy Pickering was appointed Secretary 
of State in the place of Edmund Randolph. The office of Secretary of War 
was filled January 27, 1796, by the appointment of James McHenry, of 
Maryland. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22. 

At Philadelphia : " It was with sincere pleasure I re- 
ceived your letter from Boston ; and, with the heart of 
affection, I welcome you to this country." — Washington to 
George Washington Lafayette. 

George Washington Laftiyette, only son of the Marquis de Lafayette, 
came to the United States late in the summer of 1795, accompanied by his 
preceptor M. Frestel. He landed at Boston, and immediately informed 
Washington of the fact, but reasons of state prevented the President from 
inviting him to his house, which was his first impulse. After leaving Boston, 
young Lafayette (he was barely sixteen years of age) lived with his tutor 
for a while in the vicinity of New York, in comparative seclusion. Con- 
gress at length took cognizance of his presence in the country, and on the 
18th of March, 1796, the House of Representatives passed a resolution 
directing a committee to inquire into the matter, and to report such measures 
as would be proper " to evince the grateful sense entertained by this country 
for the services of his father." This committee, through its chairman Ed- 
ward Livingston, advised him to come to the seat of government, which he 
did, remaining in Philadelphia until the following spring, avoiding society 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 313 

as much as possible, when Washington, on becoming a private citizen, re- 
ceived him into his family as if he had been his own child. He remained 
with the family until early in October, 1797, when news of the release of his 
father from prison caused him to leave for the seaboard to depart for France. 
In 1824 he accompanied his father on his visit to the United States. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6. 

At Philadelphia : " By Thursday's post I was favored 
with your letter of the 27th ultimo, enclosing a Declaration 
of the General Assembly of Maryland. At any time the 
expression of such a sentiment would have been considered 
as highly honorable and flattering. At the present, when 
the voice of malignancy is so high-toned, and no attempts 
are left unessayed to destroy all confidence in the constituted 
authorities of this country, it is peculiarly grateful to my 
sensibility; and, coming spontaneously, and with the una- 
nimity it has done from so respectable a representation of 
the people, it adds weight as well as pleasure to the act." — 
Washington to John H. Stone, Governor of Maryland. 

The Declaration of the General Assembly of Maryland, referred to in this 
letter, was expressed in the following language, and was unanimously 
adopted by the House of Delegates and the Senate. 

" Resolved unanimously, that the General Assembly of Maryland, im- 
pressed with the liveliest sense of the important and disinterested services 
rendered to his country by the President of the United States ; convinced 
that the prosperity of every free government is promoted by the existence of 
rational confidence between the people and their trustees, and is injured by 
misplaced suspicion and ill-founded jealousy ; considering that public virtue 
receives its best reward in the approving voice of a grateful j)eopk', and that, 
when this reward is denied to it, the noblest incentive to great and honor- 
able actions, to generous zeal and magnanimous perseverance, is destroyed ; 
observing, with deep concern, a series of efforts, by indirect insinuation, or 
open invective to detach from the first magistrate of the Union the well- 
earned confidence of his fellow citizens ; think it their duty to declare, and 
they do hereby declare, their unabated reliance on the integrity, judgment, 
and patriotism of the President of the United States. ' ' 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8. 

At Philadelphia : " December 8. — The Hou^^e [Pennsyl- 
vania Legislature] adjourned at noon and proceeded to 



314 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

Congress Hall, where President Washington delivered [in 
the Hall of the House] his address to the Senate and 
House." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

William Cobbett (Peter Porcupine), who was present on this occasions- 
says in his pamphlet entitled "A Prospect from the Congress-Gallery," 
published at Philadelphia in 1796, "When the President arrived at the 
House this day, he found it in that state of composed gravity, of respectful 
silence, for which the Congress is so remarkable, and which, whatever wit- 
lings may say, is the surest mark of sound understanding. — The gallery was 
crowded with anxious spectators, whose orderly behaviour was not the least 
pleasing part of the scene. 

" The President is a timid speaker: he is a proof, among thousands, that 
superior genius, wisdom, and courage, are ever accompanied with excessive 
modesty. His situation was at this time almost entirely new. Never, till a 
few months preceding this session, had the tongue of the most factious 
slander dared to make a public attack on his character. This was the first 
time he had ever entered the walls of Congress without a full assurance of 
meeting a welcome from every heart. He now saw, even among those to 
whom he addressed himself, numbers who, to repay all his labours, all his 
anxious cares for their welfare, were ready to thwart his measures, and pre- 
sent him the cup of humiliation, filled to the brim. When he came to that 
part of his speech, where he mentions the treaty with His Britannic Majesty, 
he cast his eyes towards the gallery. — It was not the look of indignation and 
reproach, but of injured virtue, which is ever ready to forgive. I was 
pleased to observe, that not a single murmur of disapprobation was heard 
from the spectators that surrounded me; and, if there were some amongst 
them, who had assisted at the turbulent town-meetings, I am persuaded, they 
were sincerely penitent When he departed, every look seemed to say : God 
prolong his precious life." 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12. 

At Philadelphia : Is waited on by the Senate, and the 
Vice-President, in its name, presents him with an answer 
to his address. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13. 

At Philadelphia : " When you receive the money for my 
last years flour and Corn, I wish that every demand, of 
whatsoever nature or kind, may be discharged, — I never 
like to owe anything, lest I might be called upon for pay- 
ment when I am not possessed of the means. — A Dun, 



1795] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 315 

would not be agreeable to me, at any time ; — and not to pay 
money when it is due, and might really be wanting, would 
hurt my feelings." — Washington to William Pearce. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17. 

At Philadelphia : Is waited on by the House of Repre- 
sentatives of the United States, with an answer to his 
address. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22. 

At Philadelphia : "It is wellknown, that peace has been 
(to borrow a modern phrase) the order of the day with me 
since the disturbances in Europe first commenced. My pol- 
icy has been, and will continue to be, while I have the honor 
to remain in the administration, to maintain friendly terms 
with, but be independent of, all the nations of the earth ; 
to share in the broils of none; to fulfil our own engage- 
ments ; to supply the wants and be carriers for them all ; 
being thoroughly convinced, that it is our policy and inter- 
est to do so. Nothing short of self-respect, and that justice 
which is essential to a national character, ought to involve 
us in war; for sure I am, if this country is preserved in 
tranquility twenty years longer, it may bid defiance in a 
just cause to any power whatever ; such in that time will 
be its population, wealth, and resources." — Washington to 
Gouvemeur Morris. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24. 

At Philadelphia : '•'■Decemher 26. — Last Thursday [Decem- 
ber 24] I had the honor of dining with the President, in 
company with the Vice-President, the Senators and Dele- 
gates of Massachusetts, and some other members of Con- 
gress, about 20 in all." — Theophilus Bradbury to Mrs. Thomas 
Hooper. 

In continuing this letter to his daughter Harriet, wife of Major Thomas 
Hooper, the writer, who was a member of Congress from Essex County, 



316 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1795 

Massachusetts, says, " In the middle of the table was placed a piece of table 
furniture about six feet long and two feet wide, rounded at the ends. It 
was either of wood gilded, or polished metal, raised only about an inch, 
with a silver rim round it like that round a tea board ; in the centre was a 
pedestal of plaster of Paris with images upon it, and on each end figures, 
male and female, of the same. It was very elegant and used for ornament 
only. The dishes were placed all around, and there was an elegant variety 
of roast beef, veal, turkeys, ducks, fowls, hams, «&c. ; puddings, jellies, 
oranges, apples, nuts, almonds, figs, raisins, and a variety of wines and 
punch. We took our leave at six, more than an hour after the candles 
were introduced. No lady but Mrs. Washington dined with us. We were 
waited on by four or five men servants dressed in livery." 



1796. 



FKIDAY, JANUARY 1. 

At Philadelphia : Receives from M. Adet, the minister 
from France, the colors of France, sent by the Committee 
of Public Safety of the National Convention as a token of 
friendship to the United States.* 

The flag, which was directed to be placed in the archives of the govern- 
ment, is described as follows in the papers of the day : " The flag is tricolor, 
made of the richest silk and highly ornamented with allegorical paintings. 
In the middle, a cock is represented, the emblem of France standing on a 
thunderbolt. At two corners diagonally opposite are represented two bomb- 
shells bursting, at the other two corners, other military emblems. Round 
the whole is a rich border of oak leaves, alternately yellow and green, the 
first shaded with brown and heightened with gold ; the latter shaded with 
black and relieved with silver ; in this border are entwined warlike musical 
instruments. The edge is ornamented with a rich gold fringe. The staff" is 
covered with black velvet crowned with a golden pike and enriched with 
the tricolor cravatte and a pair of tassels worked in gold and the three 
national colors." 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3. 

At Philadelphia : " I am not disposed to take any thing 
less for my flour than it sells at here (allowing for freight 
and Insurance) for if it is well manufactured, it will pass 
Inspection in this Market, and of course command the price 
of other flour, without the credit which is required in Alex- 
andria and would be for my interest to bring it hither, 
rather than sell at an under rate." — Washington to William 
Pearce. 



*'^Jany. 1, 1796. — Remarkably mild and pleasant— perfectly clear. Re- 
ceived the National Colours from M"' Adet the Minister Plenipo. to day : 
Much company visited." — Washington's Diaiy. 

317 



318 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

SUNDAY, JANUAKY 17. 

At Philadelphia : " I am under no concern for the fall 
which has taken place in the price of flour — that it will be 
up again, and higher than ever in the spring there is but 
little doubt — indeed some well informed Merchants declare 
they should not be surprized to find it at twenty dollars p' 
Barrel at that season. 

" There can be no question in my mind that herrings will 
be at 10/. p' Thousand and Shads at three dollars at least p' 
hundred for which reason, my advice to you is, not to take 
less from M' Smith, or any other who may oft'er to contract, 
beforehand." — Washiyigton to William Pearce. 

MONDAY, FEBEUAKY 1. 

At Philadelphia : " I feel obliged by the expression of 
your concern for the attacks, which have been made upon 
my administration. If the enlightened and virtuous part 
of the community will make allowances for my involuntary 
errors, I will promise, that they shall have no cause to ac- 
cuse me of wilful ones. Hoping for the former, I feel no 
concern on account of the latter." — Washington to Oliver 
Wolcott, Governor of Connecticut. 

THURSDAY, FEBKUAKY 11. 

At Philadelphia: '■^ February 13. — Dr. Priestly is here. 
I drank tea with him at the President's on Thursday even- 
ing [February 11]. He says he always maintained against 
Dr. Price, that old age was the pleasantest part of life, and 
he finds it so." — John Adams to Mrs. Adams. 



Joseph Priestley, LL.D., scientist and dissenting minister, came to 
America in Jvme, 1794, and settled at Northumberland, Pennsylvania, 
making his home with his sons who had preceded him. Dr. Priestley often 
preached at Philadelphia, and in the spring of 1796 delivered in that city a 
series of "Discourses relating to the Evidences of Eevealed Eeligion," 
which were published the same year. His friend Eichajd Price, D.D., 
LL.D., to whom allusion is made, was the author of a pamphlet entitled 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 319 

" Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty, Principles of Government, 
and the Justice and Policy of the "War with America," published at London 
and Boston in 1776, and of which sixty thousand copies were distributed. 
Dr. Price also published, in 1785, '• Observations on the Importance of the 
American Kevolution and the Means of making it a Benefit to the World." 
He died in London, England, March 19, 1791. 

FKIDAY, FEBKUARY 12. 

At Philadelphia : " February 13. — I went with Charles 
last night to the drawing room. As the evening was fair 
and mild, there was a great circle of ladies and a greater of 
gentlemen. General Wayne was there in glor}-.* This 
man's feelings must be worth a guinea a minute. The 
Pennsjlvanians claim him as theirs, and show him a 
marked respect." — John Adams to Mrs. Adams. 

^'^Philadelphia, February 8. — On Saturday last [February 6], about five 
o'clock in the afternoon, arrived in this city, after an absence of more than 
three years, on an expedition against the Western Indians, in which he proved 
so happily successful, Major General WAYNE. Four miles from the 
city, he was met by the three Troops of Philadelphia Light Horse, and es- 
corted by them to town. On his crossing the Schuylkill, a salute of fifteen 
cannon was fired from the Centre-square, by a party of Artillery. He was 
ushered into the city by ringing of bells and other demonstrations of joy, 
and thousands of citizens crowded to see and welcome the return of their 
brave General, whom they attended to the City Tavern, where he alighted. 
In the evening, a display of Fire- Works was exhibited, in celebration of the 
Peace lately concluded with the Western Indians, and the Algerines ; and 
also, on account of the Peace concluded by France with several European 
Powers." — Claypoole^s Atnerican Daily Advertiser. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 

At Philadelphia : " February 23. — Yesterday being the 
anniversary of the birth-day of the President of the United 
States, when he entered into the 64th [65th] year of his age, 
it was ushered in here by the firing of cannon, ringing of 
bells, and other demonstrations of joy. In the course of 

* Gained by his victory over the Indians on the banks of the Miami, 
August 20, 1794. 



320 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

the day, the members of both houses of Congress, the 
Senate and representatives of this state,* the heads of de- 
partments, foreign ministers, the clergy of every denomina- 
tion, the Cincinnati, civil and military officers of the United 
States, several other public bodies, and many respectable 
citizens and foreigners, waited upon the President accord- 
ing to annual custom to congratulate him on the occasion. 
Detachments of artillery and infantry paraded in honor of 
the day, and in the evening there was perhaps one of the 
most splendid balls at Rickett's amphitheatre ever given in 
America." — Glayjpoole's American Daily Advertiser. 

'■'■Philadelphia, February, 1796. — On General Washington's birth-day, 
which was a few days ago, this city was unusually gay ; every person of 
consequence in it, Quakers alone excepted, made it a point to visit the 
General on this day. As early as eleven o'clock in the morning he was 
prepared to receive them, and the audience lasted till three in the afternoon. 
The society of the Cincinnati, the clergy, the officers of the militia, and 
several others, who formed a distinct body of citizens, came by themselves 
separately. The foreign ministers attended in their richest dresses and most 
splendid equipages. Two large parlours were open for the reception of 
gentlemen, the windows of one of which towards the street were crowded 
with spectators on the outside. The sideboard was furnished with cake and 
wines, whereof the visitors partook. I never observed so much cheerfulness 
before in the countenance of General Washington ; but it was impossible for 
him to remain insensible to the attention and compliments paid to him on 
this occasion. 

"The ladies of the city, equally attentive paid their respects to Mrs. 
Washington, who received them in the drawing-room up stairs. After 
having visited the General, most of the gentlemen also waited upon her. A 
public ball and supper terminated the rejoicings of the day." — Isaac Weld, 
Junior, Travels through the States of North Afnerica dtiHng the Years 1795, 
1796, and 1797. London, 1799. 

* " February 22. — At noon Speaker [Eobert] Hare of the Senate, and 
Speaker [George] Latimer of the House, with their members, called on 
President Washington to congratulate him on his birthday. He stood in 
the centre of the back room, where he bowed to each member as he passed 
into the front room, where wine and cake were served. At night the ladies 
and gentlemen had a dance at Rickett's riding place, southwest corner Sixth 
and Chestnut Streets." — Diai-y of Jacob Hiltzheinier. 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 321 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29. 

At Philadelphia : " February 29. — "We are informed THE 
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES intends visit- 
ing the Theatre this Evening ; and, the Entertainments are 
by his particular desire." * — Gazette of the United States. 

'■'■March 1. — Yesterda}' [February 29] the President sent his carriage 
for me to go with the family to the theatre. The Rage and the Spoiled 
Child were the two pieces. It rained and the house was not full. I thought 
I perceived a little mortification. Mr. George Washington and his fair 
lady were with us. f . . . After all, persuasion may overcome the inclination 
of the cliief to retire. But, if it should, it will shorten his days, I am con- 
vinced. His heart is set upon it, and the turpitude of the Jacobins touches 
him more nearly than he owns in words. All the studied efforts of the 
federalists to counterbalance abuse by compliment don't answer the end." 
— John Adams to Mrs. Adams. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 4. 

At Philadelphia : " If the people of this country have not 
abundant cause to rejoice at the happiness they enjoy, I 
know of no country that has. "We have settled all our dis- 
putes, and are at peace with all nations. We supply their 
wants with our superfluities, and are well paid for doing 
so. — The earth generally, for years past, has yielded its 
fruits bountifully. No City, Town, Village, or even farm 
but what exhibits evidences of increasing wealth and pros- 
perity; while Taxes are hardly known but in name. Yet 
by the second sight, — extraordinary foresight, or some other 
sight attainable by a few only, evils afar ofl:" are discovered 

* " NEW THEATRE [north side of Chestnut, above Sixth Street]— 
Bt/ Particular Desire. On MONDAY EVENING, February 29, Will be 
presented, A celebrated COMEDY (written by the Author of the Drama- 
tist) called THE RAGE ! To which will be added, A Farce in two acts, 
called THE SPOIL'D CHILD. The Public are respectfully informed, 
that the Doors of the Theatre will open at a quarter after FIVE o'clock, 
and the Curtain rise precisely at a quarter after SIX — until further notice." 
— Gazette of the United States, February 27. 

t George Steptoe Washington, a nephew of the President, son of his 
brother Samuel. He had recently married Lucy Payne, daughter of John 
Payne, of Virginia, and a sister of Mrs. James Madison. 

21 



322 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

bj these, alarming to themselves; and as far as they are 
able to render them so, disquieting to others."' — Washington 
to Gouverneur Morris. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 24. 

At Philadelphia: " March 25. — Yesterday I dined at the 
President's, with ministers of state and their ladies, foreign 
and domestic. After dinner the gentlemen drew off after 
the ladies, and left me alone with the President in close 
conversation. He detained me there till nine o'clock, and 
was never more frank and open upon politics. I find his 
opinions and sentiments are more exactly like mine than I 
ever knew before, respecting England, France, and our 
American parties. He gave me intimations enough that 
his reign would be very short. He repeated it three times 
at least, that this and that was of no consequence to him 
personally, as he had but a very little while to stay in his 
present situation." — Johi Adams to Mrs. Adams. 

FRIDAY, MARCH 25. 

At Philadelphia : " The resolution moved in the House 
of Representatives, for the papers relative to the negotiation 
of the treaty with Great Britain, having passed in the 
aflirmative, I request your opinion, 

" 1. Whether that branch of Congress has or has not a 
right, by the constitution, to call for those papers ? 

" 2. "Whether, if it does not possess the right, it would be 
expedient under the circumstances of this particular case to 
furnish them ? 

" 3. And, in either case, in what terms would it be most 
proper to comply with, or to refuse, the request of the 
House?" — Washington to Timothy Pickering, Secretary of 
State.* 

The treaty with Great Britain, commonly called Jay's Treaiy, having 
been ratified in London on the 28th day of October, 1795, and returned to 

* Sent as a circular to the other members of the Cabinet. 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 323 

the United States, a copy of it was laid before Congress, by the President, 
on the 1st of March. It now became the duty of the House of Kepresenta- 
tives to make appropriations for carrying the treaty into efiect. The party 
in the House opposed to the treaty was not .satisfied with the course pur- 
sued by the President in promulgating it by a proclamation (February 29) 
before the sense of the House of Representatives had been in any manner 
obtained upon the subject. A resolution was brought forward by Mr. Liv- 
ingston (March 2), which, after an amendment by the original mover, 
assumed the following shape : 

" Resolved^ That the President of the United States be requested to lay 
before this House a copy of the instructions given to the minister of the 
United States, who negotiated the treaty with Great Britain communicated 
by his message of the 1st instant, together with the correspondence and 
documents relating to the said treaty, excepting such of said papers as any 
existing negotiation may render improper to be disclosed." 

A debate arose which did not terminate till the 24th of March, when the 
resolution passed in the affirmative by a vote of sixty-two to thirty-seven, 
and it was accordingly sent to the President by a committee of the House.* 
The President replied to the committee " that he would take the request of 
the House into consideration." 

The members of the Cabinet were unanimous in advising the President 
not to comply with the resolution. Each of them stated the grounds of his 
opinion in writing. During the progress of the debate, Chief-Justice Ells- 
worth drew up an argument, showing that the papers could not be consti- 
tutionally demanded by the House of Representatives. A message was 
therefore framed and sent to the House on the 30th of March, at the con- 
clusion of which the President said, " A just regard to the constitution, and 
to the duty of my office, under all the circumstances of this case, forbid a 
compliance with your request." 

A motion to refer the message to a committee of the whole House was 
carried by a large majority ; and on the 29th of April, | afier a debate which 
had lasted for two weeks, the question was taken in committee, and deter- 
mined by the casting vote of the chairman (Frederick A. Muhlenberg) in 
favor of the expediency of making the necessary laws for canying out the 
treaty. The resolution was finally carried (April 30), fifty-one voting in the 
affirmative and forty-eight in the negative. 

* Edward Livingston, of New York, and Albert Gallatin, of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

f The speech of Fisher Ames, made on the 28th of April, advocating the 
appropriation required for the execution of the treaty, was such a remark- 
able eflfort that a member of the opposition objected to the taking of a vote 
at that time, on the ground that the House was too excited to come to a 
decision. 



324 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

THURSDAY, MARCH 31. 

At Philadelphia : " I do not know how to thank you suf- 
iiciently for the trouble you have taken to dilate on the 
request of the House of Representatives for the papers 
relative to the British treaty. ... I had, from the first 
moment, and from the fullest conviction in my own mind, 
resolved to resist the principle, which was evidently intended 
to be established by the call of the House of Representa- 
tives ; * and only deliberated on the manner, in which this 
could be done with the least bad consequences." — Washing- 
ton to Alexander Hamilton. 

MONDAY, APRIL ll.f 

At Philadelphia : " I am under promise to Mrs. Bingham 
to sit for you to-morrow, at nine o'clock, and wishing to 
know if it be convenient to you that I should do so, and 
whether it shall be at your own house (as she talked of the 
State House) I send this note to ask information." — Wash- 
ington to Gilbert Stuart. 

The full-length portrait of Washington, as President, painted by Gilbert 
Stuart in compliance with the above-mentioned request of Mrs. William 
Bingham, and known as the " Lansdowne Portrait," was executed fur the 
purpose of presentation to the Marquis of Lansdowne (Lord Shelburne), a 
great admirer of Washington, and who, during the Revolution, was an active 
opponent of the policy of Lord North. At this date Stuart had a studio in 
a house at the southeast corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets (now included 
in the Drexel Building), and in this room, in all probability, the sittings were 
had. The portrait, which will always retain the name of the original owner, 
is now in the possession of Lord Rosebery, late Prime Minister of England. 
It is well known through numerous engravings, the first of which, executed 
by James Heath, was published at London, February 1, 1800. 

In a letter to Major William Jackson (who married a sister of Mrs. Bing- 

* That the absent of the House was necessary to the validity of a treaty. 

■\ "■ April 13.-1 dined on Monday [April 11] at the President's with 
young La Fayette and his preceptor, tutor or friend, whatever they call 
him, whose name is Frestel. . . . There is a resemblance of father and 
mother in the young man. He is said to be studious and discreet." — Jolui 
Adams to Mrs. Adams. 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 325 

ham), dated London, March 5, 1797, the marquis writes, "I have received 
the picture, which is in every respect worthy of the original. I consider it 
a very magnificent compliment, and the respect I have for both Mr. and 
Mrs. Bingham will always enhance the value of it to me and my familjr. 
. . . General Washington's conduct is above all praise. He has left a noble 
example to sovereigns and nations present and U) come. I beg you will 
mention both me and my sons * to him in the most respectful terms possible. 
If I was not too old, I would go to Virginia to do him homage." 

The " Lansdowne Portrait" was brought to this country in 1876, and 
exhibited at Philadelphia in the Centennial International Exhibition of that 
year. At that time it belonged to John Delaware Lewis. A replica of this 
portrait, executed for Mr. Bingham, is owned by the Pennsylvania Academy 
of the Fine Arts. 

SUNDAY, MAY 8. 

At Philadelphia : " We are an Independent Nation, and 
act for ourselves — Having fulfilled, and being willing to 
fulfil, (as far as we are able) our engagements with other 
nations, — and having decided on, and strictly observed a 
I^eutral conduct towards the Belligerent Powers, from an 
unwillingness to involve ourselves in "War. . . . We will 
not be dictated to by the Politics of any JSTation under 
Heaven, farther than Treaties require of us. 

"Whether the present, or any circumstances should do 
more than soften this language, may merit consideration. — 
But if we are to be told by a foreign Power (if our engage- 
ments with it are not infracted) what we shall do, and what 
we shall not do, we have Independence yet to seek & have 
contended hitherto for very little." — Washirigton to Alex- 
ander Hamilton. 

FRIDAY, MAY 13. 

At Philadelphia: '■'■ May 13. — At one o'clock to-day I 
called at General Washington's with the picture and letter 
I had for him. He lived in a small red brick house on the 
left side of High Street, not much higher up than Fourth 

* Lord Wycombe, the eldest son of the Marquis of Lansdowne. visited 
the United States in the latter part of 1791. He was entertained by the 
President when in Philadelphia. 



326 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

Street. There was nothing in the exterior of the house 
that denoted the rank of the possessor. Next door was a 
hair-dresser." — Diary of Thomas Twin()tg* 

In continuing the above entry in his diary, Mr. Twining says, " Having 
stated my object to a servant who came to the door, I was conducted up a 
neat but rather narrow staircase, carpeted in the middle, and was shown 
into a middling-sized well-furnished drawing-room on the left of the passage. 
Nearly opposite the door was the fire-place, with a wood-fire in it. The floor 
was carpeted. On the left of the fire-place was a sofa, which sloped across 
the room. There were no pictures on the walls, no ornaments on the 
chimney-piece. Two windows on the right of the entrance looked into the 
street. There was nobody in the room, but in a minute Mrs. Washington 
came in, when I repeated the object of my calling, and put into her hands 
the letter for General Washington, and his miniature. She said she would 
deliver them to the President, and, inviting me to sit down, retired for that 
purpose. She soon returned, and said the President would come presently. 
Mrs. Washington was a middle-sized lady, rather stout ; her manner ex- 
tremely kind and unaffected. She sat down on the sofa, and invited me to 
sit by her. I spoke of the pleasant days I had passed at Washington, and 
of the attentions I had received from her grand-daughter, Mrs. Law. 

"While engaged in this conversation, but with my thoughts turned to 
the expected arrival of the General, the door opened, and Mrs. Washington 
and myself rising, she said, 'The President,' and introduced me to him. 
Never did I feel more interest than at this moment, when I saw the tall, 
upright, venerable figure of this great man advancing towards me to take 
me by the hand. There was a seriousness in his manner which seemed to 
contribute to the impressive dignity of his person, without diminishing the 
confidence and ease which the benevolence of his countenance and the kind- 
ness of his address inspired. There are persons in whose appearance one 
looks in vain for the qualities they are known to possess, but the appearance 
of General Washington harmonized in a singular manner with the dignity 
and modesty of his public life. So completely did he look the great and 
good man he really was, that I felt rather respect than awe in his presence, 
and experienced neither the surprise nor disappointment with which a per- 
sonal introduction to distinguished individuals is often accompanied. 

* Thomas Twining, an Englishman by birth, who occupied a prominent 
position under the British government in the East Indies, made a short visit 
to the United States in 1796. When at Washington City he called upon 
Tobias Lear, then residing near Georgetown, who gave him a letter of in- 
troduction, and also intrusted him with a miniature picture of the President, 
to be delivered to him. We have no means of ascertaining what portrait 
this was. Mr. Twining's diary was published at New York in 1894. 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 327 

"The General having thanked me for the picture, requested me to sit 
down next the fire, Mrs. "Washington being on the sofa on the other side, 
and himself taking a chair in the middle. ... In the course of the conver- 
sation I mentioned the particular regard and respect with which Lord Corn- 
wallis always spoke of him. He received this communication in the most 
courteous manner, inquired about his lordship, and expressed for him much 
esteem. . . . After sitting about three quarters of an hour, I rose to take 
leave, when the General invited me to drink tea with him that evening. I 
regret to say I declined this honor on account of some other engagement — a 
wrong and injudicious decision, for which I have since reproached myself. 
. . . The General's age was rather more than sixty-four. In person he was 
tall, well-proportioned, and upright. His hair was powdered and tied be- 
hind. Although his deportment was that of a general, the expression of his 
features had rather the calm dignity of a legislator than the severity of a 
soldier." — Thomas Twining. 

MONDAY, MAY 16. 

At Philadelphia : " May 18.— On Monday last [May 16] 
Robert Liston, Esq. was received by the President of the 
United States, as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleni- 
potentiary from his Britannic Majesty to the United States 
of America." — Gazette of the United States. 

TUESDAY, MAY 17. 

At Philadelphia : " May 21. — Edward Thornton Esq. 
w^as presented to the President of the United States on 
Tuesday last [May 17] by the British Ambassador, as his 
Britannick Majesty's secretary of legation to the United 
States." — Gazette of the United States. 

SUNDAY, MAY 29. 

At Philadelphia : " Congress talk of rising about the 
middle of this week ; but there is no dependance on it. — In 
about ten or twelve days after the session closes, it is likely 
I shall commence my journey homewards : — as soon as I 
can fix the day, I will advise you of it. . . . During my 
stay at Mount Vernon I expect much company there, and 
of the most respectable sort, it would be pleasing to us 
therefore to find everything in nice order." — Washington to 
William Pearce. 



328 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

SATUKDAY, JUNE 4. 

At Philadelphia: '■^June 4. — On our return [to the city] 
we met, just below the stone bridge in the meadows, our 
President, Washington, and lady in a coach and four, two 
postillions, and only one servant on horseback. In old 
countries a man of his rank and dignity would not be seen 
without a retinue of twenty or more persons." — Diary of 
Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 5. 

At Philadelphia: " On "Wednesday last [June 1] Congress 
closed their Session ; but there is yet a good deal for me to 
do, before I can leave the Seat of the Government. — My 
present expectation however is, that I shall be able to do 
this tomorrow week : but as this is not certain, and as I 
shall travel slow, to avoid what usually happens to me at 
this season — that is — killing or knocking up a horse ; and 
as we shall, moreover, stay a day or two at the Federal 
City, it is not likely we shall be at Mount Vernon before 
the 20**^ or 21=' of this month.— 

" In a few days after we get there, we shall be visited, I 
expect, by characters of distinction ; I could wish therefore 
that the Gardens, Lawns, and every thing else, in, and 
about the Houses, may be got in clean and nice order." — 
Washington to William Pearce. 

MONDAY, JUNE 13. 

Leaves Philadelphia: ^^ June 13. — The President and 
family left town this morning for Mount Vernon." — Gazette 
of the United States. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 19. 

At George Town: " George-Town, June 21. — The Presi- 
dent of the United States arrived in the City of Wash- 
ington on the 18th instant, and at this place on the 19th. 
He is accompanied by the Son of his illustrious friend, 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 329 

Fayette." — Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Adver- 
tiser, June 27. 

MONDAY, JUNE 20. 

At Mount Vernon : " Jane 26. — "We arrived at this place 
on Monday last [June 20], where it is probable I shall re- 
main till the middle of August, when public business will 
require my attendance in Philadelphia, until towards the 
end of September. I shall then return to this place again 
for M" Washington, with whom, in the latter part of Octo- 
ber, I shall make my last journey, to close my public life 
the 4th of March ; after which no consideration under 
heaven, that I can foresee, shall again withdraw me from 
the walks of private life. 

" My house, I expect, will be crowded with company all 
the while we shall be at it, this summer, as the ministers of 
France, Great Britain, and Portugal, in succession, intend 
to be here — besides other strangers." — Washington to Robert 
Lewis. 

MONDAY, JULY 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " The Spanish minister M. de Yrujo, 
spent two days with me, and is just gone." — Washington to 
Timothy Pickeriyig. 

Don Carlos Martinez, Marquis de Casa Yrujo, succeeded Don Joseph 
Jaudennes as Spanish minister to the United States, but was not formally 
presented to the President until August 25. He married (April 10, 1798) 
Sally McKean, a daughter of Thomas McKean, Chief-Justice of Pennsyl- 
vania 1777-99. Their son, the Duke of Sotomayer, born in Philadelphia, 
became Prime Minister of Spain. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " Until within the last year or two, I 
had no conception that parties would or even could go the 
length I have been witness to; nor did I believe until lately, 
that it was within the bounds of probability, hardly within 
those of possibility, that, while I was using my utmost 



330 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

exertions to establish a national character of our own, 
independent, as far as our obligations and justice would 
permit, of every nation of the earth, and wished, by steer- 
ing a steady course, to preserve this country from the hor- 
rors of a desolating war, I should be accused of being the 
enemy of one nation, and subject to the influence of an- 
other ; and, to prove it, that every act of my administration 
would be tortured, and the grossest and most insidious 
misrepresentations of them be made, by giving one side 
only of a subject, and that too in such exaggerated and 
indecent terms as could scarcely be applied to a Nero, a 
notorious defaulter, or even to a common pickpocket." — 
Washington to Thomas Jefferson. 

MONDAY, JULY 18. 

At Mount Vernon : " I hope and expect, that the pro- 
posed visit from the Cherokee chiefs will be so managed, as 
not to take place before the month of November. I have 
already been incommoded at this place by a vitsit of several 
days from a party of* a dozen Catawbas, and should wish, 
while I am in this retreat, to avoid a repetition of such 
guests." — Washington to James Mc Henry. , 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " In the course of next week, prob- 
ably about the middle of it, I expect to commence my 
journey for Philadelphia ; but, as I shall be obliged to halt 
a day at the Federal City, and from the heat of the season 
and other circumstances must travel slowly, it is not likely 
I shall arrive there before the middle of the following 
week." — Washington to Timothy Pickering. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16. 

At Mount Vernon : " I propose to enter upon my jour- 
ney to Philadelphia to morrow." — Washington to James 
McHenry, MS. Letter. 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 331 

THUKSDAY, AUGUST 18. 

At Washington City : '■^August 18. — In passing through 
Alexandria yesterday, on my way to Philadelphia, I saw 
Col" Fitzgerald, who informed me of a letter he had re- 
ceived from you." — Washington to James Anderson. 

James Anderson, to whom the above letter was addressed, succeeded 
William Pearce as superintendent at Mount Vernon in December. He was 
acting in that capacity at the time of the decease of Washington, and the 
last letter written by him, dated December 13, 1799, was to Mr. Anderson. 
This letter is now in the Ferdinand J. Dreer Autograph Collection of the 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21. 

At Philadelphia: ''August 22.— The President of the 
United States arrived in town last evening." — Gazette of the 

United States. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25. 

At Philadelphia : " My conduct in public and private life 
as it relates to the important struggle in which the latter 
nation [France] is enguged, has been uniform from the 
commencement of it, and may be summed up in a few 
words ; that I have always wished well to the French revo- 
lution; that I have always given it as my decided opinion, 
that no nation had a right to intermeddle in the internal 
concerns of another; that every one had a right to form 
and adopt whatever government they liked best to live 
under themselves ; and that, if this country could, consist- 
ently with its engagements, maintain a strict neutrality 
and thereby preserve peace, it was bound to do so by mo- 
tives of policy, interest, and every other consideration, that 
ought to actuate a people situated as we are, already deeply 
in debt, and in a convalescent state from the struggle we 
have been engaged in ourselves." — Washington to James 
Monroe. 

•' August 26. — The President of the United States yesterday received the 
Chevalier Martinez De Yrujo, as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleni- 



332 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

potentiary from his Catholic Majesty [Charles IV., King of Spain], to the 
United States of America. " — Gazette of the United States. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30. 

At Philadelphia : ^^ August 81. — The President yesterday 
received R. G. Van Polanen, Esq. as Minister Resident of 
the Batavian Republic." — Gazette of the United States. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBEK 5. 

At Philadelphia : " "Write me by the first Post (fridays) 
after you get this letter, how every thing is, and going on ; 
for if I can accomplish the business which bro* me here, I 
hope by Wednesday, or thursday in next week, to leave 
this, on my return to Mount Vernon." — Washington to 
William Pearce. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBEK 11. 

At Philadelphia : " I recollect a year or two ago to have 
sent some rape Seed to Mount Vernon, but do not recollect 
what has been the result of it : — but particular care ought 
always to be paid to these kind of Seeds as they are, gener- 
ally, given to me, because they are valuable — rare — or 
curious." — Washington to William Pearce. 

SATUKDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. 

At Philadelphia: Issues his Farewell Address to the 
people of the United States.* 

"The end of the same year [1796] witnessed the resignation of the 
presidency of the United States of America hy General "Washington, and 
his voluntary retirement into private life. Modern history has not a more 
spotless character to commemorate. Invincible in resolution, firm in con- 
duct, incorruptible in integrity, he brought to the helm of a victorious 
republic the simplicity and innocence of rural life ; he was forced into 
greatness by circumstances rather than led into it hy inclination, and pre- 
vailed over his enemies rather by the wisdom of his designs, and the per- 
severance of his character, than by any extraordinary genius for the art of 

* The Farewell Address first appeared in Claypoole's American Daily 
Advertiser for September 19, 1796. 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 333 

war. A soldier from necessity and patriotism rather than disposition, he 
was the first to recommend a return to pacific counsels when the indepen- 
dence of his country was secured ; and bequeathed to his countrymen an 
address on leaving their government, to which there are few compositions 
of uninspired wisdom which can bear a comparison. He was modest with- 
out diflSdence ; sensible to the voice of fame without vanity ; independent 
and dignified without either asperity or pride. He was a friend to liberty, 
but not to licentiousness — not to the dreams of enthusiasts, but to those prac- 
tical ideas which America had inherited from her British descent, and which 
were opposed to nothing so much as the extravagant love of power in the 
French democracy. Accordingly, after having signalized his life by a suc- 
cessful resistance to English oppression, he closed it by the warmest advice 
to cultivate the friendship of Great Britain ; and exerted his whole influence, 
shortly before his resignation, to effect the conclusion of a treaty of friendly 
and commercial intercourse between the mother country and its emanci- 
pated offspring. He was a Cromwell without his ambition ; a Sylla without 
his crimes ; and after having raised his country, by his exertions, to the rank 
of an independent state, he closed his career by a voluntary relinquishment 
of the power which a grateful people had bestowed." — Archibald Alison. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. 

Leaves Philadelphia : " September 21. — Monday last [Sep- 
tember 19] the President of the United States left this city, 
on his journey to Mount Vernon." — Pennsylvania Gazette. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. 

At Lancaster, Pennsylvania : " September 23. — The Presi- 
dent of the United States arrived here [Lancaster] on Tues- 
day afternoon last [September 20], and on Wednesday 
morning at 6 o'clock proceeded on his way to Mount 
Vernon." — Lancaster Journal. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17. 

At Mount Vernon : " A few months will put an end to 
my political existence, and place me in the shades of Mount 
Vernon under my Vine and Fig Tree ; where at all times I 
should be glad to see you." — Washington to Landon Carter. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26. 

At Washington City : " Mrs. Washington desires me to 
inform you that there was some Butter left in the Cellar, 



334 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

and some Beef in a Tub which (after supplying James) may 
be applied to any uses you think proper." — Washmgton to 
William Pearce. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31. 

At Philadelphia : " November 2. — On Monday last [Oc- 
tober 31] the President of the United States arrived in 
town from Mount Vernon." — Claypoole's American Daily 

Advertiser. 

THUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3. 

At Philadelphia : " November 3. — Gave Geo. W. Fayette 
for the purpose of getting himself such small articles of 
clothing as he might want, and not chuse to ask for, 100 
Dollars." — Washington's Cash-Book. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3. 

At Philadelphia : " December 4. — Yesterday I dined with 
the President, in company with John Watts, the King of 
the Cherokees, with a large number of his chiefs and their 
wives ; among the rest the widow and children of Hanging 
Maw, a famous friend of our's who was basely murdered by 
some white people. The President dined four sets of Indians 
on four several days the last week." — John Adams to Mrs. 
Adams. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7. 

At Philadelphia : " December 7. — This day precisely at 12 
o'clock the President of the United States met both Houses 
of Congress in the Hall of the Representatives, where he 
addressed them in a speech. The President was accom- 
panied by his Secretary [George Washington Craik], the 
Secretaries of State, the Treasury and War Departments, 
and the Attorney-General, &c. The hall was filled at an 
early hour with the largest assemblage of citizens, ladies 
and irentlemen ever collected on a similar occasion. The 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 335 

English, Spanish, and Portuguese Ministers had Seats as- 
signed them, and were present." — Gazette of the United States. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10. 

At Philadelphia : " A few months more, say the 3d of 
March next (1797), and the scenes of ray political life will 
close, and leave me in the shades of retirement ; when if a 
few years are allowed me to enjoy it (many I cannot expect, 
being upon the verge of sixty-five), and health is continued 
to me, I shall peruse with pleasure and edification, the fruits 
of the exertions of the Board [of Agriculture, England] for 
the improvement of Agriculture ; and shall have leisure, I 
trust, to realise some of the useful discoveries which have 
been made in the science of husbandry." — Washington to 
Sir John Sinclair. 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12. 

At Philadelphia: ^^ December 12. — At 12 o'clock this day, 
the Senate in a body, waited on the President of the United 
States, at his house, when the Vice President presented an 
answer to his speech to both Houses at the opening of the 

Session." — Gazette of the United States. 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16. 

At Philadelphia : " December 16. — At 2 o'clock this day, 
the members of the House of Representatives in a body, 
waited upon the President at his house, and the Speaker 
[Jonathan Dayton] presented an answer to his address to 
both Houses." — Gazette of the United States. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17. 

At Philadelphia : " December 17. — At noon the [Pennsyl- 
vania] Assembly went to the Presbyterian Church on 
Market Street [between Second and Third Streets], where 
Dr. [Benjamin] Rush, a member of the Philosophical 
Society, pronounced an eulogium in memory of their late 
president, David Rittenhouse. The church was crowded, 



336 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1796 

President Washington and lady, with members of Congress 
being present." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

"On Saturday [December 17], at twelve o'clock agreeably to appoint- 
ment, Dr. Rush delivered his Eulogium in the Presbyterian Church in High 
street, on the late Mr. Rittenhouse. The Doctor commenced his Oration 
with an account of the birth of the great philosopher whose eulogy he was 
about to make, and proceeded to give an account of all the material trans- 
actions of his life, till he came to the awful period of his death, in all which 
he found occasion to pay the highest tribute of praise to the deceased. In- 
deed, we believe, we shall be joined in sentiment by all who heard it, in 
pronouncing the Oration a most masterly composition, and that it was pro- 
nounced with all the ability of an Orator and with all the feeling of a 
Friend. The Church was exceedingly full, but very attentive. The Presi- 
dent of the United States, the Members of Congress, and of the Legislature 
of this State, the foreign Ministers, the Philosophical Society, Medical 
Students, &c. were a part of the auditory on this solemn and affecting 
occasion." — Gazette of the United States, December 20. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18. 

At Philadelphia : " I had a letter from Mr. Anderson by 
the last Post, who informs me that it was not in his power 
to leave the concern he was engaged in at the time I wished 
him to be at Mount Vernon ; — ^but that he certainly would 
be there by the 27"* or 28'*' of this month, if he was alive 
and well. — I wish it may be convenient for you to stay 
a few days after he comes to give him a thorough insight 
into the business, and then transfer the directions I have 
given concerning it to him." — Washington to William 
Pearce. 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23. 

At Philadelphia : " Yesterday I received your letter of 
the 16th instant, covering the resolutions of the Senate and 
House of Delegates of the State of Maryland, passed on 
the 13th and 14th. The very obliging and friendly terms, 
in which you have made this communication, merit my 
sincere thanks." — Washington to John H. Stone, Governor 
of Maryland. 



1796] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 337 

Resolutions had been unanimously adopted by the Legislature of Marj- 
land, approving in the highest terms the public services of the President, 
and particularly the sentiments advanced by him in the Farewell Address. 
It was "resolved, that, to perpetuate this valuable present in the most 
striking view to posterity, it be printed and published with the laws of this 
session, as an evidence of our approbation of its political axioms, and a 
small testimony of the affection we bear to the precepts of him, to v/hom, 
under Divine Providence, we are principally indebted for our greatest 
political blessings." 

From the time the President published his Farewell Address till the tenn 
of the presidency expired he received public addresses from all the State 
Legislatures which were convened within that period, and also from many 
other public bodies, expressing a cordial approbation of his conduct during 
the eight years that he had filled the ofiice of Chief Magistrate, and deep 
regret that the nation was to be deprived of his services. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28. 

At Philadelphia : " December 29. — Yesterday at 12 o'clock, 
a deputation from the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and 
Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons in 
Pennsylvania waited on the President of the United States 
with an address delivered to him by the Grand Master 
[William Moore Smith]." — Gazette of the United States. 



1797- 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3. 

At Philadelphia : Visits the Globe Mills, situate at what 
is now the intersection of Germantown Avenue and Girard 
Avenue.* 

" 1797. — One of the earliest manufactories in the United States, of any 
extent, for spinning and weaving flax, hemp, and tow, by water power, was 
that of James Davenport, put in operation with patent machinery within 
the last twelve months, at the Globe Mills, at the north end of Second 
Street, Philadelphia. It was visited at the beginning of the year by Wash- 
ington and several members of Congress, who were highly pleased with the 
ingenuity and novelty of the machinery. The President in particular ex- 
pressed a high opinion of the merits of the patentee, Mr. Davenport ; f and 
an earnest wish that a work so honorable to the infant manufactories of the 
Union might be extended to different parts of the country. The labor was 
chiefly performed by boys." — Bishop's History of American Manufactures 
from 1608 to 1860, vol. i. p. 71. 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8. 

At Philadelphia : " The first thing I shall do, after I am 
settled at Mount Vernon, will be to adjust all my accounts 
of a private nature ; the doing of which, as they ought, has 
been prevented by public avocations." — Washington to David 
Stuart. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12. 

At Philadelphia : " January 13. — Yesterday the Senate 
of this Commonwealth waited on the President of the 

* An interesting paper by Samuel H. Needles, entitled " The Governor's 
Mill and the Globe Mills, Philadelphia," will be found in vol. viii. pp. 
279-377 of the Pennsylvania Magazine. 

t James Davenport received (February 14, 1794) the first patent for any 
kind of textile machine issued in the United States. 
838 



1797] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 339 

United States and presented him with an Address." — Clay- 
poole's American Daily Advertiser. 

THUKSDAY, FEBKUAKY 9. 

At Philadelphia : " February 9. — I saw the President and 
Mrs. Washington on Tuesday [February 7], and am to dine 
there to-daj. They are both extremely well." — James Ire- 
dell to Mrs. Iredell. 

" In private, as well as in public, his [Washington's] punctuality was 
observable. He had a well regulated clock in his entry, by which the move- 
ments of his whole family, as well as his own were regulated. At his dinner 
parties he allowed five minutes for the variation of time pieces, and after 
they were expired he would wait for no one. Some lagging members of 
Congress came in when not only dinner was begun, but, considerably ad- 
vanced. His only apology was, ' Sir or Gentlemen, we are too punctual for 
you ;' or in pleasantrj-, ' Gentlemen, I have a cook, who never asks whether 
the company has come, but whether the hour has eome.' Washington sat 
as a guest at his dinner table, about half way from its head to its foot. The 
place of the chaplain was directly opposite to the President. The company 
stood while the blessing was asked, and on a certain occasion, the President's 
mind was probably occupied with some interesting concern, and on going to 
the table he began to ask a blessing himself. He uttered but a word or two, 
when bowing to me, he requested me to proceed, which I accordingly did. 
I mention this because it shows that President Washington always asked a 
blessing himself, when a chaplain was not present. ' ' — Reminiscences of Ashbel 
Ghreen. 

FRIDAY, FEBEUARY 17. 

At Philadelphia : " February 20.— On Friday last [Feb- 
ruary 17] the House of Representatives of this Common- 
wealth waited on the President of the United States with 
an Address." — Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18. 

At Philadelphia : " February 18. — At four o'clock I went 
with the following members of the [Pennsylvania] House 
[of Representatives] and dined with that great and good 
man, George Washington, President of the United States, 
who will retire from office on March 4th next, at which 



340 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1797 

time John Adams, the present Vice-President, wiU take Ins 
place : Speaker [George] Latimer, [Joseph] Ball, [Francis] 
Gurney, [Robert] Wain, and [Lawrence] Seckel, of Phil- 
adelphia; [Richard] Keys, [Thomas] Boude, [Abraham] 
Carpenter, and [Jeremiah] Brown, of Lancaster; [John] 
Hulme, [Theophilus] Foulke, [Ralph] Stover, and [Isaac] 
Van Horn, of Bucks; [Robert] Frazer, [Thomas] Bull, and 
[James] Hannum, of Chester ; [William] McPherson, [Alex- 
ander] Turner, [WiUiam] Miller, and [John] Stewart; of 
York; and [Samuel] Marshall, of Huntingdon. Our 
Speaker sat between the President and his lady, and I on 
the left of the President." — Diary of Jacob Hiltzheimer. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBKUARY 22* 

At Philadelphia : " Febmari/ 23. — Yesterday being the 
anniversary of the birthday of the President of the United 
States, in which he entered the 65th [66th] year of his age, 
it was observed here as a day of Festival and Rejoicing. 
It was ushered in by ringing of bells and firing of cannon. 
Most of the members of Congress and the Governor and 
the Legislature of this State in a body congratulated him 
on the occasion. The Officers of the Militia met at Eleven 
o'clock at the State-House, and marched from thence to 
the house of the President to whom they presented an 
address, and received his answer thereto. They then re- 
turned to the State-House, and accompanied the Society of 
the Cincinnati in their visit to the President, who also pre- 
sented to him an address and received his answer. At 
twelve o'clock a federal salute was fired. The procession 
was attended by the uniform military corps, who performed 
a variety of evolutions on the occasion. 

"This day has always been observed in this city by 

* ^^ February 24. — On Wednesday evening [February 22] arrived in town, 
on a visit to the President of the United States the famous Mohawk Chief 
Colonel Joseph Brant, and the Seneka Chief Cornplanter. "—C^ay^ooie's 
Ainerican Daily Advertiser. 



1797] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 341 

marks of joy and festivity; but this being the last birth 
day which will return to George Washington, as Chief 
Magistrate of the Union, it was not onlj' honoured by out- 
ward marks of joy, but by sensations of a peculiar kind, 
which are better felt than expressed — they were those of 
Gratitude and Esteem for Eminent Services. 

" In the Evening there was a Ball on the occasion at 
Rickett's Amphitheatre, which for Splendor, Taste and 
Elegance, was, perhaps, never excelled by any similar En- 
tertainment in the United States." — Claj/jjoole' s American 
Daily Advertiser. 

" Febi-uary 24. — The President's birthday (the 22d) was celebrated here 
with every possible mark of attachment, affection and respect, rendered 
affecting beyond all expression, by its being in some degree a parting scene. 
Mrs. Washington was moved even to tears, with the mingled emotions of 
gratitude for such strong proofs of public regard, and the new prospect of 
the uninterrupted enjoyment of domestic life : she expressed herself some- 
thing to this effect. I never saw the President look better, or in finer 
spirits, but his emotions were too powerful to be concealed. He could some- 
times scarcely speak. Three rooms of his house were almost entirely full 
from 12 to 3, and such a crowd at the door it was difficult to get in. At the 
Amphitheatre at night it is supposed there was at least 1200 persons. The 
show was a very brilliant one, but such scrambling to go to supper that 
there was some danger of being squeezed to death. The Vice President 
handed in Mrs. Washington, and the President immediately followed. The 
applause with which they were received is indescribable. The same was 
shown on their return from supper. The music added greatly to the interest 
of the scene. The President staid till between 12 and 1." — James Iredell to 
Mrs. Iredell. 

" It was the usage, while Washington was President of the United States, 
for the clergy of the city to go in a body to congratulate him on his birth- 
day ; and on these occasions he always appeared unusually cheerful. The 
last time we made such a call, which was about ten days before his retire- 
ment from office, he said with singular vivacity, ' Gentlemen I feel the 
weight of years ; I take a pair of sixes on my shoulders this day. ' This 
great man was not in his proper element when he attempted a pleasant con- 
ceit. I never witnessed his making the attempt but on this occasion ; and 
if his allusion, as I suppose must have been the case, was to the fifty-sixes 
used in weighing heavy articles, it was surely far-fetched and not very obvi- 
ous. Reentered his sixty-sixth year at this time." — Reminiscences of Ashbel 
Oreen. 



342 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1797 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24. 

At Philadelphia: " March 1. — An Address of the Legis- 
lature of the State of Massachusetts, was on Friday last 
[February 24] presented to the President of the United 
States by the Senators representing that State in Congress, 
accompanied by most of the Members of the House of 
Representatives, from that State.'"' — Claypook's American 
Daily Advertiser. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27. 

At Philadelphia : " February 28. — Yesterday at twelve 
o'clock the Common Council of this city waited on the 
President of the United States with an address. And at 
half past twelve the Select Council waited on the Presi- 
dent, and presented their address." — Claypoole's American 
Daily Advertiser. 

" February 27. — We are informed that the President of the United States 
will be at the representation of the new comedy, The Way to get Married, 
this evening, at the New Theatre." * — Idem. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28. 

At Philadelphia : " February 28. — The President and his 
family honor the Ladies Concert with their presence this 
evening." — Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 

THURSDAY, MARCH 2. 

At Philadelphia : " March 3. — Yesterday the Rector, 
Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the United Episcopal 
Churches of Christ Church and St. Peter's waited on the 
President of the United States with an Address."— C%- 
poole's American Daily Advertiser. 

On the following day, March 3, a number of the clergy of the city and 
vicinity of Philadelphia also presented the President with an address. The 

* " NEW THEATRE. THIS EVENING, February 27. By particular 
desire, will be presented, the last new Comedy. The way to get Married ; 
after the comedy the comic ballet Dermot <^ Kathleen, or Animal Magnet- 
ism.''^ — Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 



1797] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 343 

Reverend Ashbel Green, referring to this in his Reminiscences, says, " On 
the 4th [?] of March, when he carried into effect his purpose of retirement, 
which he had previously announced, the city clergy waited on him with an 
address ; which, with his answer, was published in the newspapers of the 
day. Mr. Jefferson in a letter published after his death, speaks of the design 
of this address, and of the character of its answer, as indicating that "Wash- 
ington was suspected of infidelity, and broadly intimates that such a sus- 
picion was just. As to the design of the address, I may be allowed to say, 
that Mr. Jefferson's remarks are incorrect, since by the appointment of my 
clerical brethren, it was penned by myself, and I have not a doubt that the 
whole imputation was groundless." 

FRIDAY, MARCH 3.* 

At Philadelphia : " March 2. — To-morrow at dinner I 
shall, as a servant of the public, take my leave of the Presi- 
dent elect, of the foreign characters, the heads of depart- 
ments, &c., and the day following, with pleasure, I shall 
witness the inauguration of my successor to the chair of 
government." — Washington to General Knox. 

Of this dinner. Bishop White, one of the guests, writes, " On the day 
before his leaving the Presidential chair a large company dined with him. 
Among them were the foreign ministers and their ladies, Mr. and Mrs. 
Adams,! Mr. Jefferson, with other conspicuous persons of both sexes. 
During the dinner much hilarity prevailed ; but on the removal of the cloth 
it was put an end to by the President, certainly without design. Having 
filled his glass, he addressed the company, with a smile on his countenance, 
as nearly as can be recollected in the following terms : ' Ladies and gentle- 
men, this is the last time I shall drink your health as a public man. I do it 
with sincerity, and wishing you all possible happiness ! ' There was an end 
of all pleasaritry. He who gives this relation accidentally directed his eye 
to the lady of the British minister (Mrs. Liston) and tears were running 
down her cheeks." % 



* " March 3. — This evening is Mrs. Washington's last drawing-room, and 
a very crowded one it will be, though extremely exciting to a person of any 
sensibility." — James Iredell to Mrs. Iredell. 

f This is incorrect. Mrs. Adams at this time was at home at Quincy, 
Massachusetts. 

X " Memoir of the Life of Bishop White," by Bird Wilson, D.D. Phila- 
delphia, 1839, p. 191. 



344 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1797 

SATURDAY, MARCH 4. 

At Philadelphia : " March 6. — On Saturday [March 4], at 
twelve o'clock, agreeably to the notification which he gave 
to both Houses of Congress soon after his election, John 
Adams, as President of the United States, attended in the 
Chamber of the House of Representatives, to take his Oath 
of Ofiice, according to the directions of the Constitution. 
On his entrance, as well as on the entrance of the late Presi- 
dent, and of Thomas Jefferson, the Vice President, loud 
and reiterated applause involuntarily burst from the audi- 
ence. The President having taken his seat on the elevated 
Chair of the Speaker of the House of Representatives,* the 
Vice President, the late President, and the Secretary of 
the Senate t on his right, the Speaker and Clerk J of the 
House of Representatives on his left, and the Chief Justice 
of the United States § and the Associate Judges || at a table 
in the centre, all the foreign Ministers and Ambassadors, 
the Heads of Departments, General [James] Wilkinson, the 
Commander-in-Chief, and a very crowded auditory of the 
principal inhabitants of this city being present, the Presi- 
dent proceeded to deliver his Speech. . . . 

" After concluding his speech, the President descended 
from his seat to receive his oath of office from the Chief 
Justice, who pronounced the following constitutional oath 
with great solemnity, which was repeated by the President 
in an equally audible and solemn manner. ' I do solemnly 
swear, that I will faithfully execute the office of President 
of the United States, and will, to the best of ray ability, 
preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United 
States.' 

* Jonathan Dayton, of New Jersey. 

f Samuel Allyne Otis, of Massachusetts. 

X John Beckley, of Virginia. 

§ Oliver Ellsworth, of Connecticut. 

II William Gushing, of Massachusetts; James "Wilson, of Pennsylvania; 
and James Iredell, of North Carolina. The Judges not present were Wil- 
liam Paterson, of New Jersey, and Samuel Chase, of Maryland. 



1797] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 345 

" Having taken his oath, the President again resumed 
his seat, and, after sitting a moment, rose, bowed to the 
audience, and retired. After him, followed the Vice Presi- 
dent (though not without a contest betwixt the late Presi- 
dent and him with respect to Precedence, the former insist- 
ing upon the Vice President taking it, and he with great 
reluctance receiving it). Afterwards followed the members 
of the Senate, Foreign Ministers, Heads of Departments, 
Representatives, &c." * — ClaypooWs American Daily Adver- 
tiser. 

"On Saturday [March 4] the Merchants of Philadelphia gave a Public 
Dinner, at Kickett's Circus,t to GEORGE WASHINGTON, in testimony 
of their approbation of his conduct as President of the United States. — The 
Company, among whom were all the Foreign Ministers, many of the Mem- 
bers of both houses of Congress, the Governor of the state, and all the 
principal merchants of the city, met at Oeller's hotel, J and marched in pro- 
cession from thence to the place of entertainment. On their entering the 
Circus, Washington's march resounded through the place, and a curtain drew 
up which presented to view a transparent full length painting of the late 
President, whom Fame is crowning with a Wreath of Laurel, taking leave 
after delivering to her his valedictory address, of the Genius of America, 
who is represented by a Female Figure holding the Cap of Liberty in her 

* " March 5. — Your dearest friend never had a more trying day than 
j^esterday. A solemn scene it was indeed, and it was made affecting to me 
by the presence of the General, whose countenance was as serene and un- 
clouded as the day. He seemed to me to enjoy a triumph over me. Me- 
thought I heard him say, ' Ay ! I am fairly out and you fairly in I See 
which of us will be happiest !' When the ceremony was over, he came and 
made me a visit, and cordially congratulated me, and wished my adminis- 
tration might be happy, successful, and honourable. ... In the chamber of 
the House of Eepresentatives was a multitude as great as the space could 
contain, and I believe scarcely a dry eye but Washington's." — John Adams 
to Mrs. Adams. 

f Rickett's Circus was first opened (April 12, 1793) at the southwest 
corner of Twelfth and Market Streets. In the fall of 1795 it was removed 
to a large circular building erected for the purpose at the southwest corner 
of Sixth and Chestnut Streets. This was known as Rickett's Amphi- 
theatre. 

X South side of Chestnut, west of Sixth Street, adjoining Rickett's Am- 
phitheatre. 



346 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1797 

hand, with an Altar before her, inscribed Public Gratitude. In the 
painting are introduced several emblematic devices of the honours he had 
acquired by his public services, and a distant view of Mount Vernon, the 
seat of retirement.* Not less than two hundred and forty persons were 
present, and a most sumptuous entertainment was provided by Mr. Kich- 
ardet,t which consisted of four hundred dishes of the most choice viands 
which money could purchase or art prepare, dressed and served up in a 
manner which did him the highest credit. Mr. Willing and Mr. Fitzim- 
mons presided, and the whole was conducted with the greatest order." — 
Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser. 

) THURSDAY, MARCH 9. 

Leaves Philadelphia : " March 10. — Yesterday morning 
at 7 o'clock General "Washington and family left this City 
for Mount Vernon." — Claypoole' s American Daily Advertiser. 

" March 9. — The President and Mrs. Washington go off this morning for 
Mount Vernon. Yesterday afternoon he came to make me his farewell visit, 
and requested me, in his own name and Mrs. W% to present ' their respects' 
to Mrs. Adams." — John Adams to Mrs. Adams. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 12. 

r At Baltimore : " March 13. — ^Last evening arrived in this 
city, on his way to Mount Vernon, the illustrious object of 
veneration and gratitude, George Washington. His Ex- 
cellency was accompanied by his lady and Miss Custis, and 
by the son of the Unfortunate Lafayette and his preceptor. 
At a distance from the city, he was met by a crowd of citi- 
zens, on horse and foot, who thronged the road to greet 
him, and by a detachment from Captain Hollingsworth's 
troop, who escorted him in through as great a concourse 
of people as Baltimore ever witnessed. On alighting at the 
Fountain Inn, the General was saluted with reiterated and 
thundering huzzas from the spectators. His Excellency, 

* This painting was the work of Charles Willson Peale. An engraving 
of it, executed by Alexander Lawson, was published in the Philadelphia 
Monthly Magazine for January, 1799. 

f Samuel Richardet, " master of the City Tavern and Merchant's Coffee 
House, 86 south second st." — Philadelphia Directory, 1797. 



1797] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 347 

with the companions of his journey, leaves town we under- 
stand this morning." — Baltimore paper. -' 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 19. — "We arrived here on 
Wednesday [March 15], without any accident, after a te- 
dious and fatiguing journey of seven days. . . . Grandpapa 
is very well & much pleased with being once more Farmer 
Washington.'" — Nelly Custis to Mrs. Wolcott. j 

SATURDAY, APRIL 1. 

At Alexandria : Dines by invitation (at Abert's Tavern) 
with the Ancient York Masons of Alexandria Lodge, No. 
22. Returns to Mount Vernon under an escort of mounted 
troops of the town.^ 

MONDAY, APRIL 3. 

At Mount Vernon : " I find myself in the situation nearly 
of a new beginner ; for, although I have not houses to build 
(except one, which I must erect for the accommodation and 
security of my military, civil, and private papers, which are 
voluminous and may be interesting), yet I have scarcely 
any thing else about me, that does not require considerable 
repairs. In a word, I am already surrounded by joiners, 
masons, and painters ; and such is my anxiety to get out of 
their hands, that I have scarcely a room to put a friend 
into, or to sit in myself, without the music of hammers, 
or the odoriferous scent of paint." — Washington to James 
McHenry. 

MONDAY, MAY 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " To make and sell a little flour an- 
nually, to repair houses (going fast to ruin), to build one 
for the security of my papers of a public nature, and to 
amuse myself in agricultural and rural pursuits, will con- 
stitute employment for the few years I have to remain on 
this terrestrial globe. If, also, I could now and then meet 



348 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1797 

the friends I esteem, it would fill the measure and add zest 
to my enjoyments; but, if ever this happens, it must be 
under my own vine and fig-tree, as I do not think it prob- 
able that I shall go beyond twenty miles from them." — 
Washington to Oliver Wolcott. 

MONDAY, MAY 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " I begin my diurnal course with the 
sun ; if ray hirelings are not in their places at that time I 
send them messages of sorrow for their indisposition; 
having put these wheels in motion, I examine the state of 
things further; the more they are probed, the deeper I find 
the wounds, which my buildings have sustained by an ab- 
sence and neglect of eight years ; by the time I have accom- 
plished these matters, breakfast (a little after seven o'clock) 
is ready; this being over, I mount my horse and ride round 
my farms, which employs me until it is time to dress for 
dinner, at which I rarely miss seeing strange faces, come as 
they say out of respect for me. Pray, would not the word 
curiosity answer as well ? And how different this from 
having a few social friends at a cheerful board ! The usual 
time of sitting at table, a walk, and tea, bring me within 
the dawn of candlelight; previous to which, if not pre- 
vented by company, I resolve, that, as soon as the glimmer- 
ing taper supplies the place of the great luminary, I will 
retire to my writing-table and acknowledge the letters I 
have received ; but when the lights are brought, I feel tired 
and disinclined to engage in this work conceiving that the 
next night will do as well. The next night comes, and with 
it the same causes for postponement, and so on. . . . Having 
given you the history of a day, it will serve for a year." — 
Washington to James McHenry. 

SATUKDAY, JUNE 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " I am very glad to hear, that my old 
friend and acquaintance General Rochambeau is alive, and 



1797] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 349 

in the enjoyment of tolerably good health. It is some years 
since I had the honor to receive a letter from him ; but, if 
it should fall in your way at any time to recall me to his 
remembrance by the presentation of my best regards to 
him, which I pray you to accept also yourself, it would 
oblige me." — Washington to General MatUeu Dumas. 

THUKSDAY, JULY 6. 

' At Mount Vernon : " On the 6th of July I set off, having 
a letter to the president from his nephew, my particular 
friend, Bushrod Washington, Esquire. Having alighted at 
Mount Vernon, I sent in my letter of introduction, and 
walked into the portico, west of the river. In about ten 
minutes the president came to me. He wore a plain blue 
coat ; his hair dressed and powdered. There was a reserve, 
but no hauteur in his manner. He shook me by the hand, 
said he was glad to see a friend of his nephew's, drew a 
chair, and desired me to sit down." — Benjamin H. Latrobe 
{Dunlap's Arts of Design, vol. ii. p. 475). 

" After conversing with me for more than two hours, he got up and said 
that, ' we should meet again at dinner.' I then strolled ahout the lawn, and 
took a few sketches of the house, &c. Upon my return I found Mrs. Wash- 
ington and her grand-daughter, Miss Custis, in the hall. I introduced my- 
self to Mrs. Washington, as the friend of her nephew, and she immediately 
entered into conversation upon the prospect from the lawn, and ))resently 
gave me an account of her family, in a good-humoured free manner, that was 
extremely pleasing and flattering. She retains strong remains of consider- 
able beauty, and seems to enjoy good health and as good humour. She has 
no aflectation of superiority, but acts completely in the character of the mis- 
tress of the house of a respectable and opulent country gentleman. His 
grand-daughter, Miss Eleanor Custis, has more perfection of form, of ex- 
pression, of colour, of softness, and of firmness of mind, than I have ever 
seen before. Young La Fayette, with his tutor, came down some time be- 
fore dinner. He is a young man of seventeen years of age, of a mild, 
pleasant countenance, making a favourable impression at first sight. Din- 
ner was served up about half-past three. . . . 

"Washington has something uncommonly majestic and commanding in 
his walk, his address, his figure, and his countenance. His face is however 
characterized more by intense and powerful thought, than by quick and 



350 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1797 

powerful conception. There is a mildness about its expression, and an air 
of reserve in his manner which lowers its tone still more. He is sixty-four, 
but appears some years younger, and has sufficient vigour to last many 
years yet. He was frequently entirely silent for many minutes, during 
which time an awkward silence seemed to prevail in the circle. His an- 
swers were often short, and sometimes approaching to moroseness. He did 
not at any time speak with remarkable fluency ; perhaps the extreme correct- 
ness of his language, which almost seemed studied, prevented that effect. 
He appeared to enjoy a humorous observation, and made several himself. 
He laughed heartily several times, and in a very good humoured manner. ' — 
Benjamin H. Latrobe. i 

FKIDAY, JULY 7. 

At Mount Vernon: "Your 'View of the Causes and 
Consequences of the present War with France,' which you 
were pleased to send to me through the medium of Mr. 
Bond of Philadelphia,* has been duly received, and I pray 
you to accept my best acknowledgments for this mark of 
your polite attention, particularly for the exalted compli- 
ment which accompanied it." — Washington to Thomas Ers- 
kine. 

V 

' The exalted compliment referred to by Washington consisted of the follow- 
ing sentiment written by Mr. Erskine, afterward the celebrated Lord Ers- 
kine, on a blank page of his pamphlet: " I have taken the liberty to intro- 
M ^ '^ duce your august and immortal name in a short sentence which is to be 

found in the book I send to you. I have a large acquaintance among the 
most valuable and exalted classes of men ; but you are the only human 
being for whom I ever felt an awful reverence. I sincerely pray God to 
grant a long and serene evening to a life so gloriously devoted to the uni- 
versal happiness of the world." 

SATURDAY, JULY 15. 

At Mount Vernon : " Our crop of Wheat this year, from 
the best information I have been able to obtain, will be 
found very short, owing to three causes; an uncommon 
drought last autumn, a severe winter with but little snow 
to protect it, and which is still more to be regretted, to 

* Phineas Bond, Consul- General from Great Britain for the Middle and 
Southern States. 



1797] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 351 

what with us is denominated the Hessian fly, which has 
spread devastation, more or less, in all quarters ; nor has 
the later wheat escaped the rust." — Washington to Sir John 
Sinclair. 

SUNDAY, JULY 23. 

At Mount Vernon : " Your mamma went from here (with 
your sister Nelly) to Hope Park, on Wednesday, and is as 
well as usual. Your sister Law and child, were well on 
that day ; and Mr., Mrs., and Eleanor Peter are all well at 
this place now, and many others in the house, among whom 
are Mr. Volney and Mr. William Morris."— Washington to 
George Washington Parke Custis. 

"General Washington, who hated free-thinkers, was of course not very 
disposed to caress Volney, and indeed, as President, had declined to notice 
the French emigrants. Volney, however, paid him a visit at Mount Ver- 
non, where he was received bon gre, tnal gre, and entertained with the usual 
kindness shown to strangers. "When about to depart he asked the general 
for a circular letter that might procure him aid and attention on the long 
tour he was about commencing. Washington wrote a few lines, which 
Volney considered, it was said, either equivocal praise or much too feeble for 
his exalted merit, hence the degrading manner in which he speaks of that 
superlatively great man. As well as I remember, the note was in substance 
thus : ' Monsieur Volney, who has become so celebrated by his works, need 
only be named in order to be known in whatever part of the United States 
he may travel.' "* — Recollections of Samuel Breck (1771-1862). Philadel- 
phia, 1877. 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29. 

At Mount Vernon : " Your grandmamma (who is pre- 
vented writing to you by General Spotswood and family's 
being here) has been a good deal indisposed by swelling on 
one side of her face, but it is now much better. The rest 
of the family within doors are all well." — Washington to 
George Washington Parke Custis. 



* " C. Volney needs no recommendation from Geo. Washington" were 
the words used. 



352 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1797 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 8. — Gave G. W. La Fayette 
a check on the Bank of Alexandria for the purpose of 
defraying his expenses to France, $300." * — Washington'' s 
Cash- Book. 

" October 8. — This letter I hope and expect will be presented to you by 
your son, who is highly deserving of such parents as you and your amiable 
lady. . . . His conduct, since he first set his feet on American ground, has 
been exemplary in every point of view, such as has gained him the esteem, 
affection, and confidence of all who have had the pleasure of his acquaint- 
ance. His filial aflection and duty, and his ardent desire to embrace his 
parents and sisters in the fii-st moments of their release, would not allow 
him to wait the authentic account of this much desired event ; but, at the 
same time that I suggested the propriety of this, I could not withhold my 
assent to the gratification of his wishes to fiy to the arms of those whom he 
holds most dear, persuaded as he is from the information he has received, 
that he shall find you all in Paris. 

" M. Frestel has been a true Mentor to George. No parent could have 
been more attentive to a favorite son ; and he richly merits all that can be 
said of his virtues, of his good sense, and of his prudence. Both your son 
and he carry with them the vows and regrets of this family, and all who 
know them. And you may be assured, that yourself never stood higher in 
the affections of the people of this country, than at the present moment." — 
Washingto7i to the Marquis de Lafayette. 

FKIDAY, OCTOBER 13. 

At Mount Vernon : " I suffered every attack, that was 
made upon my executive conduct, to pass unnoticed while 
I remained in public office, well knowing, that, if the gen- 
eral tenor of it would not stand the test of investigation, a 
newspaper vindication would be of little avail ; but, as im- 
mense pains have been taken to disseminate these counter- 
feit letters, I conceived it a justice due to my own character 
and to posterity to disavow them in explicit terms; and 
this I did in a letter directed to the Secretary of State, to 
be filed in his office, the day on which I closed my admin- 
istration. This letter has since been published in the 

* George Washington Lafayette and his tutor M. Frestel sailed from New 
York for France on the 26th of October. 



1797] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 353 

gazettes by the head of that department." — Washington to 
William Gordon. 

In allusion to the republication in 1796 of a series of letters originally- 
published at London in June, 1777, under the title of " Letters from Gen- 
eral Washington to several of his Friends in the year 1776, in which are set 
forth a fairer and 'fuller view of American Politics, than ever yet transpired 
or the Public could be made acquainted with through any other channel," 
none of which, however, were written by Washington. 

These spurious letters, purporting to have been written in the months of 
June and July, 1776, were seven in number, five addressed to Lund Wash- 
ington, manager of the Mount Vernon estate, one to Mrs. Washington, and 
one to John Parke Custis, her son ; " the first draughts, or foul copies," of 
which were said to have been found in a small portmanteau taken from a 
servant of the general, at Fort Lee, in November, 1776. 

These letters were reprinted at New York in 1778, at Philadelphia in 
1795, and at London and New York, with other letters, in 1796, with the 
title: " Epistles, domestic, confidential, and oflScial from General Washing- 
ton, etc." The appearance of the latter publication called out a letter from 
Washington (March 3, 1797) to Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State, in 
which he declared them to be base forgeries, and that he had never seen or 
heard of them until they appeared in print. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " An eight years absence from home 
(except occasional short visits to it), has thrown my build- 
ing, and other matters of private concern, into so much 
disorder, that at no period of my life have I ever been 
more engaged, than in the last six or eight months, to re- 
pair & bring them into tune again." — Washington to Sir 
John Sinclair. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13. 

At Mount Vernon: "The running off of my cook has 
been a most inconvenient thing to this family, and what 
rendered it more disagreeable, is that I had resolved never 
to become the Master of another slave by purchase, but 
this resolution I fear I must break. I have endeavored to 
hire, black or white, but am not yet supplied." — Washing- 
ton to George Lewis. 

23 



354 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1797 

SATUKDAY, DECEMBEK 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " To have steered my bark amid the 
intricacies of variegated public employment to a haven of 
rest with an approving conscience, and, while receiving the 
approbation of my own country for the part I have acted, 
to meet similar proofs of it from many of the moderate and 
virtuous of other countries, consummates my greatest wish 
and all my ambition, and in my eye is more precious than 
any thing that power or riches could have bestowed." — 
Washington to John Luzac, Professor in the University at 
Leyden. 

From the beginning of the American Kevolution, Professor Luzac had 
acted a zealous part in favor of the friends of liberty ; and, as editor of the 
Leyden Gazette for many years, had ably promulgated the principles of free- 
dom, and defended the cause and conduct of those who were struggling to 
establish them. To no pen in Europe were the United States so much in- 
debted for a just representation of their affairs and defence of their rights as 
to that of Professor Luzac. 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " A very severe winter has com- 
menced, since the first of !N^ovember we have hardly ex- 
perienced a moderate day; heavy rains following severe 
frosts have done more damage to the winter grain now 
growing than I recollect ever to have seen — at this moment 
and for several days past all the Creeks and small Waters 
are hard bound with ice — and if the navigation of the 
River is not entirely stoped is yet very much impeded by 
it." — Washington to John Marshall, at Paris. 



1798. 



WEDNESDAY, JANUAKY 3. 

At Alexandria : " January 3. — M" Washington, myself 
&c^ went to Alexandria & dined with M' Fitzhugh." — 

WashbigtorCs Diary, 

MONDAY, JANUAKY 8. 

At Mount Vernon : " January 8. — A M' Marshall Music 
Master came here — Tuned Nelly Custis's Harpsicord & 
returned after dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

\ " Nelly Custis's Harpsicord," which was presented to her by Washington, 
is now at Mount Vernon. Lossing, in his Mount Vernon and its Associatio7is, 
says, "The best teachers were employed to instruct Nelly in the use of the 
harpsichord, and her grandmother made her practise upon it four or five 
hours every day. 'The poor girl,' says her brother, the late Mr. Custis, 
' would play and cry, and cry and play, for long hours, under the immediate 
eye of her grandmother, a rigid disciplinarian in all things.' " i 

MONDAY, JANUAEY 15. 

At Alexandria : " January 15. — I went to Alexandria to a 
meeting of the Stockholders of that Bank to an Election 
of Directors." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUAEY 7. 

At George Town : " February 7. — "Went to a meet* of the 
Potomak C° in George Town — Dined at Col" Fitzgeralds & 
lodged at M' T. Peters. February 8. — Visited the Public 
build^* in the Morn^ met the Comp^ at the Union Tavern & 
dined there — lodged as before Weather very cold. Febru- 
ary 9. — Returned home to Dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

355 



356 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

MONDAY, FEBKUAKY 12. 

At Alexandria : " February 12. — Went with the family to 
a Ball in Alex* given by the Citizens of it & its vicinity in 
commemoration of the anniversary of my birth day." — 
Washington'' s Diary. 

The Gregorian, or "New Style" of computing the length of the year, 
although promulgated in 1582, was not adopted by Great Britain until 1751, 
nineteen years after the birth of Washington. It was then enacted that 
eleven nominal days should be omitted ; Wednesday the second of September, 
1752, being made the last day of " Old Style," and the next day (Thursday) 
counted the fourteenth instead of the third. After that date Washington's 
birthday would be February twenty-second instead of February eleventh. 
In some localities the '-Old Style" remained in use for a long time, espe- 
cially in the case of birthdays. The anniversary ball at Alexandria, it will 
be noticed, was held on the twelfth, in consequence of the eleventh of Feb- 
ruary, 1798, falling on Sunday. 

W^EDNESDAY, FEBRUAKY 14. 

At Mount Yernon : " February 14. — M' Alex' Spotswood 
& Wife & M^ Fields Lewis * & M' Lear came to dinner the 
latter returned afterwards. February 15. — M"" Field^ Lewis 
went away after dinner. February 16. — M'' & M" Spots- 
wood left us after breakfast." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " 3Iarch 4. — Doct' Stuart came to 
dinner. 3Iarch 5. — Docf Stuart left this, to accompany 
Washington Custis to S' Johns College at Annapolis." — 
Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 18. 

At Mount Yernon : " March 18.— M' Steer Sen' & Jun' 
Miss Steer & M" Yanhaven dined here & returned to Alex* 

* Washington's sister Betty, who married in 1760 Colonel Fielding Lewis, 
of Fredericksburg, Virginia, had six children: Fielding (above mentioned), 
Betty, who married Charles Carter, George Fielding, Robert, Howell, and 
Lawrence. There were other children, who died young. Colonel Lewis 
died December, 1781, and Betty Washington, who was his second wife, died 
March 31, 1797. 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 357 

afterwards, . . . March 19. — Dined with M" "Washington 
&c* at M' Thomson Mason's." — Washington's Diary. 



TUESDAY, MAECH 20. 

At Mount Vernon : '-'■ March 20. — M' Law* Washington 
of Chotanck & M'' Law^ Washington of Belmont came to 
Dinner — Albin Rawlins came to live with me as Clerk." — 
Washington's Diary. 



Lawrence Washington, of Chotank, was a descendant of Lawrence the 
Immigrant, the brother of John Washington, the great-grandfather of 
General Washington. In bis will the General bequeathed him a gold-headed 
cane and also a spy-glass carried in the Revolution, designating him as the 
acquaintance and friend of his juvenile years. Lawrence Washington, of 
Belmont, Fairfax County, was probably another descendant of Lawrence 
the Immigrant. 



TUESDAY, MARCH 27. 

At Mount Vernon : ^^ March 27. — M' Charles Carroll Jan 
[son of Charles Carroll of CarroUton] & M' Will™ Lee came 
to dinner. March 28. — M' Carroll & M'' Lee went away 
after breakfast & the family here went to dine with M' 
Nichols." — Washington's Diary. 



The visit of young Mr. Carroll having given rise at Annapolis to a rumor 
that it was made with the intention of paying his addresses to Is'elly Custis, 
her brother wrote to the General in allusion to it, saying, '• I think it a most 
desirable match, and wish that it may take place with all my heart." In 
reply, under date of April 15, Washington wrote, "Young M"' Carroll 
came here about a fortnight ago to dinner, and left us next morning after 
breakfast. If his object was such as you say has been reported, it was not 
declared here; and therefore, the less is said upon the subject, particularly 
by your sister's friends, the more prudent it will be until the subject developes 
itself more." 

But youthful alliances are not always made at the nod of Dame Rumor, 
nor are they always controlled by the wishes of relatives. Nelly Custis 
married, February 22, 1799, at Mount Vernon, Lawrence Lewis, a nephew 
of Washington ; and Charles Carroll, Junior, found, in the following year, a 
bride at Philadelphia in Harriet, a daughter of Benjamin Chew. 



358 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

SATURDAY, MARCH 31. 

At Mount Vernon : " March 31. — A M' Tevot a French 
Gentleman recom'* by Count de Rochambeau dined here — 
& a M"" [Jonathan] Freeman Member in Congress from N : 
Hamp. came in the afternoon & returned,'' — Washington's 
Diary. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 13. 

At Mount Vernon : ^^ April 13. — Gen' Lee came to dinner 
& Col** Heath & son in the after". April 14.— Gen' Lee & 
Col" Heath went away after breakfast." — Washington's 
Diary. 

MONDAY, APRIL 16. 

At Alexandria : ^^April 16. — I went to Alex* to an Elec- 
tion of Delegates for the C^^ of Fairfax — voted for Mess" 
West & Jn" Herbert — returned to Dinner. 3Iay 9. — I went 
to the Proclam" sermon in Alexandria." — Washington's 
Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16. 

At Mount Vernon : " A century hence, if this country 
keeps united (and it is surely its policy and interest to do 
it), will produce a city, though not as large as London, yet 
of a magnitude inferior to few others in Europe, on the 
banks of the Potomac, where one is now establishing for 
the permanent seat of the government of the United States, 
between Alexandria and Georgetown, on the Maryland 
side of the river; a situation not excelled, for commanding 
prospect, good water, salubrious air, and safe harbour, by 
any in the world ; and where elegant buildings are erecting 
and in forwardness for the reception of Congress in the year 
1800."— Washington to Mrs. S. Fairfax.*- 

* Mrs. Fairfax (Sally Gary) was the widow of George William Fairfax, 
of " Belvoir," the neighbor and early friend of Washington. The Fairfaxes 
left Virginia in 1773, and settled at Bath, England, where Mr. Fairfax died. 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 359 

SATURDAY, MAY 19. 

At Hope Park : * " May 19.— About 8 Oclock in the fore- 
noon M" "Washington & myself sat out on a visit to Hope 
Park & the Federal City. — Got to the former to Dinner and 
remained there until Morning when we proceeded to the 
City." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MAY 20. 

At Washington City: ''May 20.— Dined at M' Tho» 
Peter's & remained there until Wednesday, and then went 
to M'' Law's & remained there until friday [May 25] when 
we sat out on our return home & called at Mount Eaffle to 
take our leave of the Rev^ M' Fairfax who was on the point 
of Embarking for England." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MAY 27. 

At Mount Yernon : " An absence for more than eight 
days from home, on a visit to our friends in the Federal 
City, is offered as an apology for my not giving your polite 
and obliging favor of the 9th instant an earlier acknowl- 
edgment. I pray you now, my good Sir, to accept my best 
thanks for the pamphlet, and the song which accompanied 
it." — Washington to Joseph Hopkinson. 

The song referred to in the above-quoted letter was the national air, 
"Hail Columbia," the words of which were written by Joseph Hopkinson, 
and adapted to the music of the " President's March," composed in 1789 by 
a German named Feyles, who at the time was the leader of the orchestra at 
the John Street Theatre in New York. " Hail Columbia" was first sung at 
the Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, by Gilbert Fox on the evening 
of Wednesday, the 25th of April, 1798.t Judge Hopkinson, alluding to the 

April 3, 1787. Mrs. Fairfax, for whom Washington in his early days had 
a sincere admiration, died at Bath in 1811. 

* Five miles northwest of Fairfax Court-House. Hope Park was the 
residence of Dr. David Stuart, who married the widow of John Parke 
Custis. For some time after their marriage (1783) the Stuarts lived at 
Abingdon, near Alexandria. 

t " New Theatre. ME. FOX'S NIGHT. This Evening, April 25, BY 
DESIEE. THE ITALIAN MONK. . . . End of the Play, ' More Sack. ' 



360 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

song in his letter to "Washington of May 9, said, "As to the song it was a 
hasty composition, and can pretend to very little extrinsic merit — yet I 
believe its public reception has at least equalled anything of the kind. The 
Theatres here and at New York have resounded with it night after night, 
and men and boj^s in the streets sing it as they go. " > 



TUESDAY, MAY 29. 

At Alexandria : " Ma}/ 29. — Went up to Alex* on busi- 
ness & returned home to dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, MAY 31. 

At Mount Vernon : ''May 31. — M' Delivs of Bremen & 
a M' Pekmoller of Hamburgh dined here & returned after- 
wards." — Washington's Diary. 

A letter from one of these gentlemen, written in 1858, at the age of eighty- 
four, is quoted on page 460 of Custis's Recollections of Washington, in which, 
after referring to some pictures of the "Washington family which hung in 
his hall, he says, " They vividly call to my mind the day — the proudest of 
my life— that I passed upon the beautiful banks of the Potomac, in the 
family of the best and greatest personage that the world has ever produced. 
It was in May, 1798, now nearly sixty-one years ago. I was seated at his 
right hand at dinner, and I recollect as distinctly his majestic bearing as if 
it were yesterday. Though of mortality, his overpowering presence in- 
spired an impression that he belonged to immortality. His stateliness, his 
serene face, the perfect simplicity of his manners, his modest demeanor, and 
the words of wisdom which he uttered, led me irresistibly to the belief that 
he was an emanation from the Omnipotent, for the marvellous work that he 
had just then consummated. It was my good fortune to contemplate him 
in his retirement — after he had left nothing undone that he could perform 
for the republic of his creation, and after he had quitted office for ever ! 
"What a privilege I enjoyed in being his welcome guest ! Of the 240,000,000 
of people in Europe, I imagine I am the only person, since the death of La- 
fayette, who was so favored as to break bread and take wine with Washing- 
ton at his own table." 

An Epilogue, in the character of Sir John Ealstaff, to be spoken by Mr. 
"Warren. After which, an intire new song, (written by a Citizen of Phila- 
delphia) to the tune of the ' President's March,' will be sung by Mr. Fox ; 
accompanied by the full band, and a grand chorus," — Claypoole's American 
Daily Advertiser, Wednesday, April 25, 1798. 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 361 

SATUKDAY, JUNE 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " June 2. — M' Law & a Polish Gen- 
tleman [Mr. Niemcewitz] the Companion of General Kos- 
ciaski came here to dinner, as did Miss Lee of Green 
Spring * with Nelly Custis who returnd to day [from Hope 
Park]." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4. 

At Alexandria : " July 4. — "Went up to the Celebration 
of the Anniversary of Independance and ditied in the 
Spring Gardens near Alex' with a large Comp* of the Civil 
& Military of Fairfax County." — Washington's Diary. 

" Alexandria, July 7. — The 23d Anniversary of American Independence 
was celebrated by the inhabitants of this town, on "Wednesday last, with 
the greatest harmony and conviviality. — Every thing conspired to render the 
business of the day a varied scene of patriotism and social joy ; and the dig- 
nified presence of the beloved WASHINGTON, our illustrious neighbor, 
gave such a high colouring to the tout ensemble, that nothing was wanting 
to complete the picture. The auspicious morning was ushered in by a dis- 
charge of sixteen guns. At 10 o'clock the uniform companies paraded ; and, 
it must be acknowledged, their appearance was such as entitles them to 
the greatest credit, while it reflects honor on their officers and the town — it 
was perfectly military : . . . The different corps were reviewed in King street 
by General Washington, and Col. Little, who expressed the highest satisfac- 
tion at their appearance and manoeuvring ; after which they proceeded to the 
Episcopal Church, where a suitable discourse was delivered by the Rev. Dr. 
Davis. Of this discourse I may say, with the expressive Collins, it was 

" ^Warm, energetic, chaste, sublime.^ 

" A dinner was prepared at Spring Gardens by Mr. John Stavely ; which, 
considering the number of citizens and military that partook of it (between 
4 and 500) was conducted with the greatest propriety and decorum. — :Lud- 
well Lee, esq. presided at the head of the table — the foot was honored by 
Col. Charles Little. . . . GEN. WASHINGTON was escorted into town 
by a detachment from the troop of Dragoons. He was dressed in full uni- 
form, and appeared in good health and spirits. The troops went through a 
number of military evolutions during the day, with all of which the General 

* Cornelia Lee, daughter of William Lee, a brother of Richard Henry 
Lee. 



362 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

was particularly pleased, and bestowed many encomiums on their martial 
appearance." — Claypoole's Americmi Daily Advertiser, July 19. \ 

THURSDAY, JULY 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " The President's letter to me [of 
June 22], though not so expressed in terms, is nevertheless 
strongly indicative of a wish, that I should take charge of 
the military force of this country; and, if I take his mean- 
ing right, to aid also in the selection of the general officers. 
The appointment of these is important, but of those of the 
general staff all-important; insomuch that, if I am looked 
to as the commander-in-chief, I must be allowed to choose 
such as will be agreeable to me. To say more at present 
would be unnecessary ; first, because an army may not be 
wanted ; and, secondly, because I might not be indulged in 
this choice if it was." — Washmgton to James Mc Henry. 

On the 28th of May a law was passed by Congress, authorizing the Presi- 
dent, " in the event of a declaration of war against the United States, or of 
actual invasion of their territory by a foreign power, or of imminent danger 
of such invasion discovered in his opinion to exist, before the next session 
of Congress, to cause to be enlisted, and to call into actual service, a number 
of troops not exceeding ten thousand non-commissioned officers, musicians, 
and privates, to be enlisted for a term not exceeding three years." Au- 
thority was also given to the President to organize the army, with a suit- 
able number of major-generals and other officers, into corps of artillery, 
cavalry, and infantry; and, in short, to make every arrangement for pre- 
paring the forces for actual service. This was called a Provisional Anny. 
The measure was adopted in consequence of the threatening aspect of affairs 
between France and the United States. The causes and particulars are 
briefly stated in Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. v. pp. 735-746. 

FRIDAY, JULY 6. 

At Mount Vernon : ^'July 6.— Doctors Thornton* & Dal- 
son — M"" Ludwell Lee, Lady & Miss Armistead, & M" David 

* Dr. "William Thornton, a West Indian by birth. He was educated as 
a physician and lived for many years in Philadelphia. Dr. Thornton, who 
was a skilled architect, drew the plans and superintended the erection, in its 
early stages, of the first Capitol building at Washington City. He was the 
first head of the Patent Office. 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION 363 

Randolph & a Son of Col° R. Kidder Mead * came here to 
Dinner, the two last proceeded to Alex* afterwards. July 
7. — M' R. Bland Lee & M' Hodgden came here to dinner 
& M' Ludwell Lee & Lady went away after Din." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, JULY 12. 

At Mount Yernon : " July 12. — The following Comp^ 
dined here Col"' Fitzgerald & Simms M' Herbert & Son — 
Doct' Craik & Son — M' L : Lee Col Ramsay — Cap Young & 
L* Jones M' Potts W"" Wilson, M' Porter Doct' Cook M' 
Riddle M' Lear M"" Tracy — & six Ladies & 4 Gent" from M' 
Rogers." — Washington'' s Diary. 

FRIDAY, JULY 13. 

At Mount Vernon : " I had the honor, on the evening of 
the ll*** instant, to receive from the hands of the Secretary 
of War f your favor of the 7th. announcing that you had, 
with the advice and consent of the Senate, appointed me 
lieutenant-general and commander-in-chief of all the armies 
raised or to be raised for the service of the United States. | 

" I cannot express how greatly affected I am at this new 
proof of public confidence, and the highly flattering manner 
in which you have been pleased to make the communica- 
tion ; at the same time I must not conceal from you my 
earnest wish, that the choice had fallen on a man less de- 
clined in years, and better qualified to encounter the usual 
vicissitudes of war." — Washington to John Adams, President 
of the United States. 

* Richard Kidder Meade, an aide to General "Washington in the Revolu- 
tion, and the father of William Meade, Protestant Episcopal Bishop of 
Virginia, 1841-62. 

f " July 11. — M' M^Henry — Sec? of War came in the evening. July 14. — 
The Secy of War left this after dinner." — Wanhingion's Diary. 

X On the 2d of July the President nominated to the Senate "George 
Washington, of Mount Vernon, to be Lieutenant General and Commander 
in Chief of all the armies raised or to be raised, in the United States." The 
nomination was unanimously confirmed by the Senate the next day. 



364 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

In continuing this letter, Washington said, " It was not possible for me 
to remain ignorant of, or indiiferent to recent transactions. The conduct of 
the Directory of France towards our country, their insidious hostilities to 
its government, their various practices to withdraw the affections of the 
people from it, the evident tendency of their arts and those of their agents 
to countenance and invigorate opposition, their disregard of solemn treaties 
and the laws of nations, their war upon our defenceless commerce, their 
treatment of our minister of peace, and their demands amounting to tribute, 
could not fail to excite in me corresponding sentiments with those which 
my countrymen have so generally expressed in their aflectionate addresses to 
you. Believe me, Sir, no one can more cordially approve of the wise and 
prudent measures of your administration. They ought to inspire universal 
confidence, and will no doubt, combined with the state of things, call from 
Congress such laws and means, as will enable you to meet the full force and 
extent of the crisis. 

" Satisfied, therefore, that you have sincerely wished and endeavoured to 
avert war, and exhausted to the last drop the cup of reconciliation, we can 
with pure hearts appeal to Heaven for the justice of our cause, and may con- 
fidently trust the final result to that kind Providence, which has heretofore 
and so often signallj^ favored the people of these United States. 

"Thinking in this manner and feeling how incumbent it is upon every 
person of every description to contribute at all times to his country's welfare, 
and especially in a moment like the present, when every thing we hold dear 
is so seriously threatened, I have finally determined to accept the commis- 
sion of commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States ; * with the 

* " John Adams President of the United States of America To all who 
shall see these Presents Greetings : Know Ye, That reposing special Trust 
and Confidence in the Patriotism, Valour, Fidelity and Abilities of George 
Washington I have nominated and by and with the Advice and Consent of 
the Senate, do appoint him Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief 
of all the Armies raised or to be raised for the Service of the United States : 
He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Lieutenant 
General & Commander in Chief by doing and performing all Manner uf 
Things thereunto belonging: And I do Strictly charge and require all 
Ofiicers and Soldiers under his Command, to be obedient to his orders as 
Lieutenant General & Commander in Chief: And he is to observe and 
Follow such Orders and Directions from time to time, as he shall receive 
from me, or the Future President of the United States of America, This 
Commission to continue in Force during the Pleasure of the President of 
the United States for the Time being. Given under my Hand, at Philadel- 
phia this Fourth day of July in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven 
Hundred and ninety eight and in the twenty third Year of the Indepen- 
dence of the LTnited States. u jqjjj^ Adams 

"James McHenry, Secry. of War." 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 365 

reserve only, that I shall not be called into the field until the army is in a 
situation to require my presence, or it becomes indispensable by the urgency 
of circumstances." 

FRIDAY, JULY 20. 

At Alexandria : " July 20. — Went up to Alex* with M" 
W. k Miss Cus[tis], dined at Doct' Craiks ref* in y" aft"."— 
Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " I little imagined, when I took my 
last leave of the walks of public life, that any event could 
bring me again on a public theatre. But the unjust con- 
duct of France towards these United States has been and 
continues to be such, that it must be opposed by a firm and 
manly resistance, or we shall not only hazard the subjuga- 
tion of our government, but the independence of our nation 
also ; both being evidently struck at by a lawless, domineer- 
ing power, which respects no rights, and is restrained by no 
treaties, when it is found inconvenient to observe them." — 
Washington to Dr. James Anderson. 

FRIDAY, JULY 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " The Greyheads of Alexandria, 
pretty numerous it seems, and composed of all the respect- 
able old People of the place; having formed themselves 
into a company for the defence of the Town & its Vicinity, 
are in want of Colors ; and it being intimated that the 
Presentation of them by Mrs. Washington would be flat- 
tering to them ; I take the liberty of requesting the favor 
of you to have made and sent to me as soon as it is con- 
venient, such as will be appropriate to the occasion. Hand- 
some, but not more expensive than becomes Republicans 
(not Bachite Republicans) is req^. If you think a Motto 
would be proper, the choice of one ' chaste & unassuming' 
— is left to your own judgment." — Washington to James 
McHenry. 



366 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

"ALEXANDRIA, November 1.— Tuesday last [October 30], being the 
anniversary of the birth day of our beloved and patriotic President John 
Adams, was observed in this town with military honours. The uniform 
companies of militia, and the company of Silver Grays, went through a 
variety of manoeuvres and evolutions, under the command of Captain 
George Deneale. After firing several rounds in evidence of their attach- 
ment to this good man, as well as to shew that they approbated his conduct 
towards the insidious French Directory, they retired in the evening with the 
utmost decorum and harmony. 

" A stand of colours, presented by the respected consort of our venerable 
Cincinnatus to the company of Silver Grays, tvas displayed for the first time 
on that day ; and, though a variety of incidents prevented their being en- 
tirely completed, they had a very elegant appearance. The colours are com- 
posed of white silk ; the device is, however, on an azure blue ground. The 
Golden Eagle of America has a portrait of General "Washington * suspended 
from its beak, in one talon a bunch of arrows, in the other a branch of olive, 
and is surmounted by sixteen Stars, indicative of the number of States ! 
The motto— ' FIRM IN DEFENCE OF OUR COUNTRY 1'"— ^^3/- 
poole's American Daily Advertiser, November 6. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 6. 

At Alexandria: ^^ August 6. — Went to Alex* to a meeting 
of the Pot° C° — M' Bur : Bassett came home with me." — 

Washington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " Little did I think when mj Vala- 
dictory address was presented to the people of the United 
States that any event would occur in my day that could 
draw me from the peaceful walks and tranquil shades of 
Mount Vernon : where I had fondly hoped to spend the 
remnant of a life, worn down with public cares, in rumi- 
nating upon the variegated scenes through which I have 
passed and in the contemplation of others which are yet in 
embrio. I will hope however that when the Despots of 

* " In the account of the presentment of a flag by Mrs. "Washington, to 
the Silver Grays, published a few days since under the Alexandria head, in 
our paper, there was an error. Among other emblems, the flag contained 
a strong likeness of President Adams, and not of General "Washington, as 
there stated." — Claypoole^s Americayi Daily Advertiser, November 14. 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 367 

France find how mucli they have mistaken the American 
character, and how much they have been deceived by their 
partizans among us, that their senses will return to them 
and an appeal to arras for the purpose of repeling an Inva- 
sion at least will be rendered unnecessary." — Washington to 
William Vans Murray. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 20. 

At Mount Vernon : " August 20. — No ace* kept of the 
weather &c* from hence to the end of the Month — on ace* 
of my Sickness which commenced with a fever on the 19*'' 
& lasted until the 24*'' which left me debilitated." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

^'September 3. — My last to you was dated the 20'*" of August; two days 
previous to which I had been seized with a fever, which I endeavoured to 
shake off by pursuing my usual rides and occupations ; but it continued to 
increase upon me ; when on the 21" at night Dr. Crailc was called in, who it 
seems chose to have assistance, and on the 24"' procured such a remission as 
to admit bark. Since which I have been in a convalescent state, but too 
much debilitated to be permitted to attend much to business." — Washingtoii 
to James McHenry. 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBEK 3. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 3. — In the Morning to 
breakfast came Gen' [John] Marshall & M'' Bushrod Wash- 
ington — and to dinner the At^ Gen' Cha' Lee M' Herbert 
M"" Keith & Doc Craik." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBEK 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 5. — Gen' Marshall & M' 
B. "Washington went to a dinner in Alex' given to the 
former by the Citizens there & returned. September 6. — 
M" Marshall & M' B. Washington went away before break- 
fast." — Washington's Diary. 

John Marshall (Chief-Justice of the United States, 1801-35) was appointed 
in June, 1797, an envoy to France, in conjunction with Charles Cotesworth 



368 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

Pinckney and Elbridge Gerry. The envoys arrived at Paris in October, 
and were shortly approached by secret agents (X. Y. Z.) of Talleyrand with 
a demand for money, — fifty thousand pounds sterling for private account 
and a loan to the government. These suggestions were repelled with in- 
dignation, and a paper prepared by Mr. Marshall was sent to the minister, 
which set forth with great precision and force of argument the views and 
requirements of the United States and their earnest desire for maintaining 
friendly relations with France. But it availed nothing, and Pinckney and 
Marshall, who were Federalists, were ordered to leave the territory of 
France, while Gerry, as a Kepublican, was allowed to remain. The news 
of these events was received in this country with the deepest indignation, 
and when Mr. Marshall returned in June, 1798, he was everywhere received 
with marks of the highest respect and approval for the course he had pur- 
sued. The public dinner given to him at Alexandria, noted in the Diary, 
was one of other demonstrations of a like character, that given at Philadel- 
phia on June 23 being noteworthy in consequence of the introduction of 
Mr. Pinckney's celebrated sentiment, " Millions for defence, but not a cent 
for tribute," as one of the toasts. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. 

At Washington City : " Septe^nber 20. — Went up to the 
Federal City — Dined & lodged at M' Tho' Peters. Septem- 
ber 21. — Examined in company with the Com" some of the 
Lots in the Vicinity of the Capital & fixed upon N° 16 in 
634 to build on. Dined & lodged at M'' Laws. September 
22. — Came home with M' T. Peter wife & 2 children to 
Dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. 

At Alexandria : " September 80. — Went to Church in 
Alex*." — Washington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 5. — Doct' Thornton — M' 
Law and a M'' Baldo a Spanish Gentleman from the Ha- 
vanna came to Dinner. October 6. — M' Bushrod Washing- 
ton & Capt" Blackburn came to dinner & M"" Tho' Peter 
returned in the afternoon from New Kent. October 7. — 
M"' B. Washington & Capt" Blackburn went away after 
Breakf*." — Washington'' s Diary. 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 369 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9. 

At Washington City : " October 9''' 10 and eleventh absent 
— in the Federal City." — Washington'' s Diary. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 13. — Gen^ Lee, Capt° Pres- 
ley Thornton & M' T. Peters came to dinner. October 14. — 
Gen^ Lee & Capt° Thornton went away after breakfast & 
M' Booker came at Night." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 16. — The Attorney Gen^ of 
the United States Lee and Lady & M' W" Craik dined 
here & ret"*." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18. 

At Mount Vernon : " My opinion always has been (how- 
ever necessary to be in a state of preparation) that no 
formidable invasion is to be apprehended from France, 
while Great Britain and that country are at War ; not from 
any favorable disposition the latter has towards us, but 
from actual inability to transport Troops and the Munitions 
of War, while their ports are blockaded. That they would 
willingly, and perhaps necessarily, employ their forces in 
such an enterprise in case of Peace I have little doubt, un- 
less adverse fortune in their foreign relations — a Revolu- 
tion at home — or a wonderful change of sentiment in the 
governing powers of their country, should take place." — 
Washington to Timothy Pickering. 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 28.— The Att'' Gen^ U. S. 
M' Jn° Hopkin & M' Ch' T. Mercer dined here & returned." 
— Washington'' s Diary. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 

Leaves Mount Vernon : " November 5. — I set out on a 
journey to Phil^ about 9 oclock with M' Lear my Sec- 

24 



370 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

retary — was met at the Turupike by a party of horse & 
escorted to the Ferry at George Town where I was rec*^ 
with MiHtary honors lodged at M' T. Peters." — Wasldng- 
toyi's Diary. 

" Alexandria, November 6. — Yesterday about 11 o'clock, arrived in town, 
on his way to the seat of the Federal Government — his excellency Lieuten- 
ant-General GEOKGE WASHINGTON, accompanied by his Secretary 
Colonel Lear. He was met at West End and escorted into town by Colonel- 
Fitzgerald's and Captain Young's troops of cavalry, and the company of 
Alexandria blues, under the command of Captain Piercey. When he 
alighted at Gadsby's tavern, the blues fired a continental salute of 16 rounds. 
The troops of horse escorted the General to the ferry at George Town where 
the George Town troop were in waiting to pay him the same token of re- 
spect." — Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, November 10. 

" George Town, November 6.— Lieutenant General WASHINGTON ar- 
rived on the Virginia shore of the Potomak, yesterday, about 1 o'clock ; to 
which place he was escorted by a party of horse from Alexandria. Five 
gentlemen of George Town, in uniform, received him into a yawl and passed 
the river while the infantry and artillery on the Maryland side by several 
discharges, honoured their illustrious chief. The George Town troop of 
horse and the other military companies then escorted him into the city of 
Washington, and after firing a number of rounds, they and the whole as- 
semblage of spectators retired. This morning early he who ' amidst all 
plaudits takes command' resumed his journey, attended by the horse. 

"The warriors of Homer were aided by the Gods — oratory and poetry 
awoke the spirits of ' departed heroes ; ' and perhaps nothing on earth more 
nearly resembles obtaining the aid of the immortal heroes of Elysium, than 
when a WASHINGTON, venerable from age, from experience and from 
former services — surrounded by virtues and glory, leaves ' his choice re- 
treat' and 'blest abode,' for the cares of mortals and military scenes." — 
Idem. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBEK 6. 

At Spurrier's Tavern : " November 6. — Breakfasted at 
Bladensburgh — dined & lodged at Spurriers Escorted by 
horse." — Washingtoiv' s Diary. 

Wednesday;' NOVEMBER 7. 

At Baltimore : " November 7. — Breakfasted at Baltimore 
— dined at Websters, & lodged at Hartford — Met at Spur- 
riers by the Baltimore horse & escorted in and out by the 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 371 

same — Viewed a Brigade of Militia at Bait*." — Washing- 
tori's Diary. 

^'■Baltimore, November 7. — This morning arrived in town, the Chief who 
unites all hearts. He left Spurriers pretty early, and lighted at Bryden's 
about 8 o'clock, escorted in by Captains Hollingsworth's and Bentalon's 
troops, who went out last evening for that purpose. About 10, the 5th and 
27th regiments (as many as from the shortness of the notice could get 
ready) had the gratification of being reviewed by him in Market street, 
much to the satisfaction of a large concourse of spectators who thronged 
around him, again to behold at once the venerable Cincinnatus and com- 
mander in chief of America. The City Company, capt. Harris, waited on 
the general at his quarters, personally to congratulate him on once more 
seeing him among them in health, and made open ranks for him to pass 
through as he came out to review the troops. He was accompanied, as he 
marched in front of the line, by generals Smith and Swan ; his secretary, 
Mr. Lear; judge Chase, and several other gentlemen. About 11 he pro- 
ceeded on his way to Trenton, escorted out by the Fell's Point troop. 

" The object of the commander in chief in going to Trenton, is, we under- 
stand, to attend a grand council of the executive and general military officers 
of the union. The president, and the three late unsuccessful ambassadors to 
France, we also learn, are to be present.* 

" Americans ! what measure of gratitude is not due to a man, loaded with 
years and glory, who so ardently wished to terminate his days in the peace- 
ful shades of Mount Vernon, again coming forth, to sustain the thought of 
council and the fatigue of war, to perpetuate that liberty which he so glori- 
ously achieved for his country." — Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 
November 10. 

THUKSDAY, NOVEMBER 8. 

At Elkton, Maryland: ^''November 8. — Breakfasted at 
Susquehanna escorted by the Hartford horse — dined at 

* Shortly after the adjournment of Congress, on the 16th of July, the 
public offices were removed to Trenton, New Jersey, in consequence of the 
prevalence of yellow fever in Philadelphia. The President also went to 
Quincy, Massachusetts, and did not return to the city until November 23, 
having been detained by the illness of Mrs. Adams. All danger from the 
fever was, however, over b}^ the end of October, and a proclamation to that 
effect was issued by the city authorities on the first daj' of November. Wash- 
ington, therefore, met the Secretary of War and Major-Generals Hamilton 
and Pinckney at Philadelphia to make the necessary arrangements for the 
provisional army. 



372 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

Elkton and lodged at Christiana brdge." — Washijigton's 
Diary. 

" November 9. — Breakfasted in Wilmington & dined & lodged at Chester 
— wait? at the latter the Eeturn of an Exp^, at this place was met by sev^ 
Troops of Phil" horse." — Washington's Diary. 

SATUKDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 

At Philadelphia : " November 10. — With this Escort I ar- 
rived in the City about 9 oclock & was rec*^ by Gen' M^Pher- 
sons Blues & was escorted to my lodgings in 8*'" Street (M" 
White's *) by them & the Horse." — Washington's Diary, 

^'■November 12. — Lieutenant General WASHINGTON Commander in 
Chief of the Armies of the United States, arrived here on Saturday morning 
last [November 10], escorted by the different troops of horse — and, notwith- 
standing the short notice which had been given the [Macpherson] Blues, 
almost the whole of that corps, with an alacrity which does them honor, were 
drawn up on the commons, f to receive their beloved General. 

"On his arrival, the cavalry and infantry were drawn up, and the Gen- 
eral, having passed in review down their front, is said to have expressed the 
highest satisfaction at their soldierly and elegant appearance. The proces- 
sion then moved from the commons, the General accompanied by his sec- 
retary Mr. Lear, in the centre of the cavalry. On his arrival at his lodgings 
in Eighth-street, he was saluted by the acclamations of the citizens who had 
collected once more to behold their Chief. The General was dressed in his 
uniform, and is apparently in good health and spirits." — CLaypoole's Ameri- 
can Daily Advertiser. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11. 

At Philadelphia: " November 11, 12, & 13. — Dined at my 
Lodgings receiving many Visits." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ November 14.|— Dined at Maj' [William] Jackson's [187 South Third 
Street]. November 15. — Dined at M' Tench Francis's [Market between 

* " Eosannah White, widow, boarding house, 9 north eighth street" — 
Philadelphia Directory, 1798. 

f The vacant ground west of the built-up portion of the city was known 
as the com,mons. 

J ^^ November 14. — We are informed, that the governor as commander in 
chief of the state militia, attended hy the officers of the city and county 
brigades, will pay their respects to the Commander in chief of the armies of 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 373 

Eleventh and Twelfth Streets]. November 16. — Dined at the Secrety of the 
Treas^ [Oliver Wolcott, Junior, 91 Spruce Street]. November 17. — Dined 
at M' [Thomas] Willings [100 South Third Street]. November 18.— Dined 
at my lodgings. Novetnber 19. — Dined at Docf Whites — Bishop [of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church of Pennsylvania, 89 Walnut Street]. Novem- 
ber 20. — Dined at the Secretary of Wars [James McHenry, 113 South Third 
Street]. Noveinber 21. — Dined at Maj'' Reeds — Senator's [Jacob Kead, of 
South Carolina, corner of Eleventh and Chestnut Streets]. November 22. 
— Dined at M'' [William] Binghams [South Third, near Spruce Street]. 
November 23. — Dined at M' Sam' Merediths Treasurer [of the United States, 
171 Chestnut Street]. November 24. — Dined at the Secretary of States [Tim- 
othy Pickering, comer of Sixth and Arch Streets]. November 25. — Dined at 
my Lodgings. November 26. — Dined at the Presidents of the U : States 
[190 High Street].* November 27. — Dined in a family with M'' [Robert] 
Morris.f November 28. — Dined with Judge [Richard] Peters [85 Walnut 
Street]. November 29. — Dined with the British Minister [Robert Liston. 
217 Arch Street]. November 30.— Dined with the Gov"' of the State Gov^ 
Mifflin [250 High Street]. December 1. — Dined with M"' [William] Rawle 
[260 High Street] . December 2. — Dined with Bingham. From hence until my 
leaving the City on the 13 I dined at my lodgings.'' — Washirigton's Diary. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4. 

At Philadelphia: '■'■ December Q. — Last Tuesday [Decem- 
ber 4] the Potawatamy, Chippawa, and Ottawa Chiefs paid 
their respects to the President of the United States, and to 
Lieutenant General Washington." — Claypoole's American 
Daily Advertiser. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8. 

At Philadelphia : Present at the delivery of the Presi- 
dent's address to both Houses, Third Session, Fifth Con- 
gress. 

the United States at 10 o'clock this forenoon." — Claypoole^s American Daily 
Advertiser. 

* No. 190 High or Market Street was the house occupied by Washington 
when residing in Philadelphia. 

t Robert Morris was imprisoned for debt February 16, 1798, and was not 
released until August 26, 1801. This family dinner must therefore have 
taken place in the debtors' apartment of the Old Walnut Street Prison at 
Sixth and Walnut Streets. The debtors' apartment was situated on the 
north side of Prune, now Locust Street, east of Sixth Street. The buildings 
were taken down in 1836. 



374 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

" At twelve o'clock, Lieutenant General "Washington, with his Secretary, 
Colonel Lear, Major Generals [Charles Cotesworth] Pinckney and [Alex- 
ander] Hamilton, entered the Hall [of the House of Representatives], and 
took their places on the right of the Speaker's Chair. The British and 
Portuguese Ministers, and the British and Danish Consuls, with the Secre- 
taries, had their places assigned them on the left of the Chair. 

"A few minutes after twelve, the President of the United States, 
accompanied by his Secretary, and the Heads of the several Departments of 
the Government, appeared. The President having taken his seat, and the 
officers of Government theirs, near the general officers, he rose and ad- 
dressed the two Houses.' — Journal of Congress. 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14. 

Leaves Philadelphia : " December 14. — After dinner set 
out on my journey home — Reached Chester." — Washing- 
ton's Diary, 

''December 15.— Yesterday morning Lieut. Gen, WASHINGTON left 
this city, on his journey to Mount Vernon, Virginia. The General was 
accompanied by his Secretary, Col. Lear." — Claypoole's American Daily 
Advertiser. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15. 

At Elkton : '■'■Decemher 15. — Breakfasted at Wilmington 
bated at Christiana — and dined and lodared at Elkton." — - 



t>^ 



Washington's Diary. 

''December 16. — Set out after a very early breakfast; — and was detained 
at Susquehanna from 10 Oclock until the next morning — partly by Ice and 
Winds — but principally by the Lowness of the tides occasioned by the N" 
Westerly Winds. December 17. — Breakfasted at Barney's — bated at Hart- 
ford — Dined at Webster's and Lodged at Baltimore." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18. 

At Washington City : " December 18. — Breakfasted at 
Spurriers — dined at Rhodes's — and lodged at M' Laws in 
the Federal City." — Washington's Diary. 

" We had an invitation to dine with Doctor Thornton [at Washington 
City] : and the Doctor having a public dinner on that day, I got introduced 
to many respectable characters ; and among the rest to Mr. Law, a gentleman 
married to the granddaughter of Mrs. Washington. Mr. Law is an English- 
man, and brother to Lord Ellenborough. He gave Colonel Lyles and myself 



1798] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 375 

an invitation to go to sleep at his house ; Lut we were prevented by General 
Washington coming to sleep there that night, and Colonel Lear, his Sec- 
retary. I had, however, the gratification to be introduced to the General ; 
and Colonel Lyles being a neighbour and a particular acquaintance of his, a 
most pleasing evening I spent. The General was quite sociable, and re- 
ceived me very kindly. After supper, at nine o'clock the General went to 
bed, as that was his hour; for the supper in most houses being tea, and some 
broiled fish, sausages, steaks, «&c., it is generally introduced between six and 
seven o'clock, which was done that evening. Doctor Thornton, Colonel 
Lyles, Mr. Law, and myself, sat some hours after; and the Colonel and I 
went to sleep at a tavern in the city, which was kept by an Englishman 
named TunnerclifFe. We were asked the next morning to breakfast at Mr. 
Law's, with the General ; which we did : and the General gave me a most 
kind invitation to go to see him in a few days.* After breakfast, he set off 
in his carriage for Mount Vernon." — Richard Parkinson, Tour in America 
in 1798, etc. London : 1805. Vol. i. p. 59. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19. 

At Mount Yernon : '■'•December 19. — Stopped at Doct' 
Thornton's and M' Peter's & dined at home." — Washing- 
ton'' s Diary. 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 24. — Doct' Craik came to 
D[inner] & Judge Gushing & lady in the Afternoon — as did 
a M' Dinsmoor Agent in the Cherokee Country on his way 
to Philadelphia." — Washington's Diary. 

"We reached Mount Vernon," wrote the wife of Judge Gushing, in Feb- 
ruary, 1799, "the evening before Christmas, and if any thing could have 
added to our enjoyment, it was the arrival of General and Mrs. Pinckney 
the next day, while we were dining.f You may be sure it was a joyful 

* Mr. Parkinson, referring to the visit to Mount Vernon made in conse- 
quence of this invitation from Washington, says, " I dined with him ; and 
he showed me several presents that had been sent him, viz. swords, china, 
and among the rest the key of the Bastille. I spent a very pleasant day in 
the house, as the weather was so severe that there were no farming objects 
to see, the ground being covered with snow. The General wished me to stay 
all night ; but having some other engagements, I declined his kind offer." 

t '■'■ December 2b. — Gen' Pinckney Lady & daughter came to dinner." — 
Washington's Diary. 



376 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1798 

meeting, and at the very place my wishes had pointed out. To be in the 
company of so many esteemed friends, to hear our good General "Washing- 
ton converse upon political subjects without reserve, and to hear General 
and Mrs. Pinckney relate what they saw and heard in France, was truly a 
feast to me. Thus the moments glided away for two days, when our reason 
pointed out the propriety of our departing and improving the good roads, 

as the snow and frost had made them better than they are in summer." 

Lossing's Mount Ver7i07i, p. 309. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26. 

At Mount Vernon : " I returned a few days ago from 
Philadelphia, whither I had been for the purpose of making 
military arrangements with the Secretary of War, respect- 
ing the force which is about to be raised." — Washington to 
William Vans Murray. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 27. — The following Gen- 
tlemen dined here the 27*'' viz — Mess" W"* Fitzhugh — W" 
Herbert Potts— Wilson— Doct' Craik & Son Geo: Wash- 
ington Craik, Heath & Docf Greenhow of Richmond." — 
Washington's Diary. 



1799- 



WEDNESDAY, JANUAKY 16. 

At Mount Eagle : " January 20. — On "Wednesday last 
[January 16] M" Washington & myself took a family dinner 
at Mount Eagle * — and left all the family in good health & 
Spirits in the afternoon — Miss Custis was, at that time, with 
her mother [Mrs. Stuart], at Hope Park, or she would have 
accompanied us on that visit." — Washington to Bryan Fair- 
fax. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUAEY 23. 

At Mount Vernon : " Your letter of the 10"" instant I re- 
ceived in Alexandria, on Monday, whither I went to be- 
come the guardian of I^elly, thereby to authorize a license 
for your nuptials on the 22** of next month." — Washington to 
Laiorence Laois. 

SUNDAY, FEBKUARY 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 10. — "Wind shifted in the 
Night to N. W. blew fresh & turned cold — Mer at 30 in 
the morning & 34 at Night — clear all day." — Washington's 
Diary. 

Washington's custom of recording the state of the weather will be noticed 
in nearly all of his diaries. Indeed, one kept at Philadelphia in 1796, with 
the exception of two entries, one referring to receiving the national colors of 
France from M. Adet on January 1, and the other to George Washington 
Craik having joined him as private secretary on April 12, is entirely devoted 

* Mount Eagle, on the old road from Alexandria to Mount Vernon, was 
the home of Bryan Fairfax, rector of Christ Church, Alexandria, 1790- 
1792, and afterward Lord Fairfax. The house is still standing. At the 
date of the above-quoted letter Mr. Fairfax was in England on a visit. 

377 



378 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1799 

to that subject. This diary, the handwriting of which is peculiarly neat and 
distinct, is in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It 
runs from January 1 to June 21. 

MONDAY, FEBKUARY 11. 

At Alexandria : " February/ 11. — "Went up to Alexandria 
to the celebration of my birth day — Many Manoeuvres were 
performed by the Uniform Corps — and an elegant Ball & 
supper at Night. February 12. — Return'd home." — Wash- 
ington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 16. — M' and M" Peters 
came to dinner. February 18. — M" Stuart and her 3 daugh- 
ters came here in the afternoon." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19. 

At Mount Vernon : " You will please to grant a license 
for the marriage of Eleanor Parke Custis with Lawrence 
Lewis, and this shall be your authority for so doing." — 
Washington to Captain George Deneale, Clerk of Fairfax 
County Court. 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 21. — M' Ch' Carter wife 
& daughter came to dinner — & M' Rob' Lewis in the After- 
noon." — Washington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 22. — The Rev'^ M' Davis 
& M' Geo : Calvert came to dinner & Miss Custis was mar- 
ried ab* Candle light to M' Law" Lewis." — Washington's 
Diary. 

I "An event occurred on the twenty-second of February, 1799, that, while 
it created an unusual bustle in the ancient halls, shed a bright gleam of 
sunshine on the last days at Mount Vernon. It was the marriage of Major 
Lewis, a favorite nephew, with the adopted daughter of the chief. It was 
the wish of the young bride that the general of the armies of the United 



1799] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 379 

States should appear in the splendidly embroidered uniform (the costume 
assigned him by the board of general officers) in honor of the bridal ; but 
alas, even the idea of wearing a costume bedizened with gold embroidery, 
had never entered the mind of the chief, he being content with the old Con- 
tinental blue and buff, while the magnificent white plumes presented to him 
by Major-General Pinckney he gave to the bride, preferring the old Conti- 
nental cocked hat, with the plain black-ribbon cockade, a type of the brave 
old days of '76." — George Washington Parke Citstis, Recollections of 
Washington. 

MONDAY, FEBKUAKY 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " February 25. — River nearly closed 
with Ice. — M"" L : Lee M" Lee k Miss French — M"" Herbert, 
M' Jn" Herbert k Miss Herbert.— Docf Craik & M' G. W. 
Craik — Miss Fitzhugh Miss Moly Fitzhugh & Miss Chew — 
& CoP Fitzgerald dined here & returned." — Washington's 
Diary. 

''February 26.— M" Potts— M" Fendall— M' And' Ramsay & Wife— 
M' W" Eamsay — M' Edm^ Lee & Sister Lucy — and M"^ Hodgden dined here 
& returned — and M'' Bushrod Washington came in the afternoon. February 
27. — M'' Thomson Mason «& Wife and M' Nicholls «& Wife dined here «& re- 
turned." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 3. 

At Mount Vernon: ''March 3.— M" Stuart & her 3 
daughters (Stuarts) * and M' & M" Peters went away after 
breakfast. March 4. — M"" & M'* Carter went away after 
Breakfast. March 6. — M' & M" Law went away to day." — 
Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, MARCH 3L 

At Mount Vernon : " M' Lewis & Nelly Custis fulfilled 
their matrimonial engagement on the 22** of February. In 
consequence the former, havg. relinquished the lapp of 
Mars for the Sports of Venus, has declined a Military ap- 
pointment." — Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. 

* By her second marriage Mrs. Stuart had seven children, — five daughters 
and two sons. 



380 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION [1799 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3. 

At Four Mile Run : * " April 3. — Went up to four mile 
Run to Run round my land there — Got on the gr"^ about 
10 Oclock and in Company with Capt° Sterret and M' Luke 
commenced the Survey on 4 mile run & ran agreeably to 
the Notes taken — In the evening went to Alex' & lodged 
my self at M' Fitzhugh's." — Washington's Diary. 

" April 4. — Recommenced the Survey at the upper end where we left off 
in corapanj' with Col° [Charles] Little — Capt° Sterret and M"" Will"" Adams 
— & cont* it agreeably to the Notes until we came to 4 Mile run again which 
employed us until dark — Returned to Alex* and again lodged at M'' Fitz- 
hughs. April 5. — Returned home to Breakfast." — Washington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 12. 

At Mount Vernon: ^^ April 12. — Spread Plaster of Paris 
this Morning on the circle & sides before the door — & on 
the Lawn to the Cross Path betvv" the Garden gates — & on 
the Clover by the Stable." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24. 

At Alexandria: ^^ April 24. — Went up to Alex" to an 
Election of a Representative from the District to Congress 
& from the County to the State Legisla*." — Washington's 
Diary. 

MONDAY, APRIL 29. 

At Four Mile Run : " April 29. — Went up to run round 
my land on 4 Mile run. Lodged at Col" Littles [at Alex- 
andria]. April 30. — Engaged on the same business as yes- 
terday & returned home in the afternoon." — Washington's 
Diary. 

TUESDAY, MAY 14. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 14. — Maj' W" Harrison came 
here to dinner. May 15. — M' Thomson Mason came here 

* Four Mile Run empties into the Potomac about three miles above Alex- 
andria. See note to May 4, 1786. 



1799] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 381 

to breakfast and attended Maj' Harrison & me on the 
Survey of the latters land & both dined here, as did a M' 
Season." — Washington's Diary. 

John Searson, whose visit to Mount Vernon is noted in the Diary under 
the name of Season, was the author of a disjointed composition (the result 
of this visit) entitled "MOUNT VEKNON, A POEM: Being the seat 
of his excellency George Washington, in the STATE OF VIRGINIA ; 
Lieutenant-general and commander in chief of the land forces of the United 
States of America. This rural, romantic and descriptive Poem of the seat 
of so great a character, it is hoped may please, with a copper-plate likeness 
of the General. It was taken from an actual view on the spot by the 
author, 15th May, 1799. BY JOHN SEAKSON, formerly of Philadel- 
phia, merchant." This remarkable attempt at verse was published at Phil- 
adelphia in September of the same year. 

THURSDAY, MAY 16. 

At Alexandria : " May 16. — Went up to Alexandria to 
the Purse Race, & returned in the Evening M' Law & 
Docf Thornton here." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, MAY 23. 

At Mount Vernon : " May 23.— M' Tho' Adams third 
son to the President & M' Joshua Johnson, Lady & son 
came to din'." — Washington's Diary. 

FRIDAY, MAY 31. 

At Washington City : " May 31.— Went up to the Fed^ 
City — dined & lodged with M' Peter. June 1. — Dined & 
lodged at M' Laws. June 2. — Returned home to dinner — 
tak^ Church at Alex* in my way." — Washington's Diary. 

Edward C. McGuire, on page 154 of his work entitled "The Religious 
Opinions and Character of "Washington," * quotes the following narrative 
"from a valued female friend, now numbered with the dead," which evi- 
dently refers to Washington's attendance at Christ Church, Alexandria, on 
Sunday, June 2, recorded in the Diary. " In the summer of 1799," said Mrs. 
M., "I was in Alexandria, on a visit to the family of Mr. H. , with whom I was 

connected by the ties of relationship. Whilst there, I expressed a wish to 

t 

* Published at New York in 1836. 



382 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1799 

see General Washington, as I had never enjoyed that pleasure. My friend 
Mrs. H. observed, ' You will certainly see him on Sunday, as he is never 
absent from church when he can get there ; and as he often dines with us, 
we will ask him on that day, when you will have a better opportunity of 
seeing him.' Accordingly, we all repaired to church on Sunday, and seated 
in Mr. H's large double pew, I kept my eyes upon the door, looking for the 
venerable form of him I had so long desired to see. Many persons entered 
the doors, but none came up to my impressions of General Washington's 
appearance. At length, a person of noble and majestic figure entered, and 
the conviction was instantaneous that I beheld the Father of his Country. 
It was so !— my friend at that moment intimated the fact to me. He walked 
to his pew, at the upper part of the church, and demeaned himself through- 
out the services of the day with that gravity and propriety becoming the 
place and his own high character. After the services were concluded we 
waited for him at the door, for his pew being near the pulpit he was among 
the last that came out— when Mrs. H. invited him to dine with us. He 
declined, however, the invitation, observing, as he looked at the sky, that he 
thought there were appearances of a thunder-storm in the afternoon, and he 
believed he would return home to dinner." 

THUESDAY, JUNE 20. 

At Mount Vernon : " June 20. — The following company- 
dined here — Chief-Justice of the U. S. Ellsworth, M' & M" 
Steer Sen'— M' & M" Steer Jun' M' Van Havre— M' & M" 
Ludwell Lee — M" Corbin Washington M' & M" Hodgson 
& Miss Cor Lee M' & M" Geo. Calvert and a Capt° Ham- 
ilton & Lady from the Bahama Islands." — Washingtoiv' s 
Diary. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 25. 

At Mount Vernon : " Your favor of the 18th of Septem- 
ber last, with the small box containing four pairs of prints, 
came safe to hand, but long after the date of the letter." — 
Washington to John Trumbull. 

r 

In April, 1790, Washington subscribed to four sets of engravings after 
Trumbull's pictures, "The Battle of Bunker Hill" and "The Death of 
General Montgomery." They were published in London, the former exe- 
cuted by J. G. Miiller, of Stutgard, Germany, and the latter by J. F. 
Clemens, of Copenhagen, Denmark. These are the four pairs of prints 
referred to in the above letter. 



1799] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 383 

THURSDAY, JULY 4. 

At Alexandria : " July 4. — "Went up to Alex* and dined 
with a number of the Citizens there, in celebration of the 
anniversary of the declaration of american Independ' at 
Kemps Tavern." — Washington's Diary. 

'■^Alexandria, July 6. — The 23d anniversary of the American Indepen- 
dence was celebrated in this town with the greatest harmony and decorum. 
The military commands agreeably to orders previously given, mustered in 
the court house square, and the line was formed in Fairfax street. After 
going through the manual, which was performed with the strictest exacti- 
tude, Col. John Fitzgerald, accompanied by John Potts, Esq., passed the 
line in review, and expressed his satisfaction at their military and elegant 
appearance. The battalion then marched, by sections, up King street, and 
formed the line there to receive their beloved Chief General George 
"Washikqton. On his passing the line the usual military honors were 
paid ; and it is with pleasure I remark, that the Cincinnatus of America 
appeared in excellent health and good spirits. 

" Lieutenant General Washington dined at Col. Kemp's tavern, with a 
select party of friends." — Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, July 11. 

TUESDAY, JULY 9. 

At Mount Vernon : On this day Washington executed 
his Last Will and Testament, consisting of twenty-nine 
pages of manuscript, written entirely by himself; and at 
the bottom of each, with the exception of page twenty- 
three, he affixed his signature. To this he added a 
schedule with descriptive notes of the property included 
in the will, which was directed to be sold, making thirteen 
additional pages. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17. 

At Mount Vernon : '■'' July 17. — Colonels Powell & Simms 
and M' Herbert — and Judge Washington * Capt° Black- 
burn & M' H. Turner dined here — the three first went away 
in the afternoon. July 18. — Slow rain with the wind at 
S° E' & conf* until I went to bed a 9 oclock. . . . Capt° 

* Bushrod Washington was commissioned an Associate Justice of the 
Supreme Court of the United States, December 20, 1798. 



384 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1799 

Blackburn went away after breakfast. July 19. — Judge 
Washington & M' H. Turner left this after dinner." — 

Washington's Diary. 

MONDAY, AUGUST 5. 

At George Town : '■'■August 5. — "Went up to George Town, 
to a general meeting of the Potomac Company — dined at 
the Union Tavern & lodged at Mr. Laws. August 6. — Re- 
turned home to dinner — found Gen^ W" Washington* of 
S" Carolina and Son here." — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7. 

At Mount Vernon : " August 7. — The following Gentle- 
men dined here — viz. Col" Fitzgerald — Docf Craik & son 
— M' W" Craik— M' Herbert & Son J"° C. Herbert— Col" 
Ramsay— M' Potts— M^ Edm*^ Lee— M' Keith— Lieut Kean 
of the Marines — and M' Ch' Fenton Mercer. August 8. — 
Gener^ Washington & son went away after breakfast." — 
Washington's Diary. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24. 

At Mount Vernon: ^^ August 24. — M' White came to 
dinner — as did 4 Gentlemen from Phil* viz — Young M' 
Meredith (son of the Treasurer) M' Clifton, a M' Walter 

& the 4 last returned after dinner." — Washington's 

Diary. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 1. — Docf Craik dined 
here — sent for to M" Washington who was sick. Septem- 
ber 6. — Docf Craik who was sent for in the night to M" 



* Colonel "William Washington, a distinguished cavalry officer in the 
Revolution, was appointed a brigadier-general Julj"^ 19, 1798. He was born 
in Stafford County, Virginia, February 28, 1752, and was a descendant of 
Lawrence Washington the Immigrant. General William Washington died 
at Charleston, South Carolina, March 6, 1810. 



1799] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 385 

"Washington came early this morning." — Washington's 
Diary. 

SATUKDAY, SEPTEMBEK 7. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 7. — M' & M" Peter and 
Gen' Washington came in the afternoon. September 8. — 
'Gen' Washington went away after breakfast — & M' & M" 
Law came to dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAY, SEPTEMBEK 12. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 12. — Cap : Truxton 
[Thomas Truxtun] came to dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " The death of near relations always 
produces awful and affecting emotions, under whatsoever 
circumstances it may happen. That of my brother [Charles] 
has been so long expected, and his latter days so uncom- 
fortable to himself, must have prepared all around him for 
the stroke, though painful in the effect. 

*' I was the first, and am, now, the last of my father's 
children by the second marriage, who remain. When I 
shall be called upon to follow them is known only to the 
Giver of Life. When the summons comes I shall endeavor 
to obey it with a good grace." — Washington to Colonel Bur- 
gess Ball. 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " September 27. — Governor Davie on 
his way to the Northward to Embark as Envoy to France 
called, dined & proceeded on." — Washington's Diary. 

"William Richardson Davie, Governor of North Carolina in 1798, was ap- 
pointed, in conjunction with Oliver Ellsworth and William Vans Murray, 
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to France. The envoys 
reaching Paris in March, 1800, found Napoleon Bonaparte at the head of the 
new republic, and soon concluded a satisfactory adjustment of all disputes ; 
the result of which was the convention signed September 30, 1800, which 

25 



386 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1799 

included a recognition from France of the rights of neutral vessels, and an 
indemnity for depredations on American commerce. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 1. — M" Fairfax sister and 
daughter — and M" Herbert & M" Nelson — M"" Jn° Herbert 
& two of M" [Warner] Washington of Fairfields Sons dined 
here." — Washington'' s Diary. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " October 22. — M' Liston (British 
Minister) & lady came to dinner. October 25. M'' and M" 
Liston left this after breakfast." — Washington'' s Diary. 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28. 

At Mount Vernon : ^'October 28. — M' Ridout an English 
Gentleman and his Lady dined here as did M" G. W. Craik 
— M'' Lear set out for Harper's Ferry to make some ar- 
rangement with Col" Parker respecting Cantoning the 
Troops." — Washington'' s Diary. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 

At Difficult Run, Virginia: " November 5. — Set out on a 
trip to Difficult Run to view some Land I had there & some 
belonging to M'' Jn" Gill who had offered it to me in dis- 
charge of Rent which he was owing me — Dined at M' 
Nicholas Fitzhughs and lodged at M"^ Corbin Washingtons. 
November 6. — Set out from thence after 8 Ocl'' being de- 
tained by sprinkling Rain, & much appearance of it until 
that hour — reached Wiley's Tavern near Difficult Bridg-e 
to Breakfast and then proceeded to Survey my own Land." 
— Washington!' s Diary. 

In the notes to the schedule of property directed to he sold by his execu- 
tors, the land on Difficult Run, Loudoun County (three hundred acres), is 
described as ft)llows : " It lyes on the great Road from the City of Wash- 
ington, Alexandria and George Town to Leesburgh & Winchester, at Diffi- 



1799] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 387 

cult bridge — nineteen miles from Alexandria — less from the City & George 
Town, and not more than three from Matildaville at the Great Falls of 
Potomac." 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7. 

At Difficult Run : " November 7. — Finished Surveying 
my own Tract & the Land belonging to Gill — returning, as 
the Night before to Wiley's Tavern. November 8. — Morn- 
ing very heavy and about 9 oclock it commenced Raining 
which it continued to do steadily through the day — not- 
withstanding which I proceeded to ascertain by actual 
measurement the qualities [? quantities] — this being fin- 
ished betw" 12 & 1 oclock I returned to Wiley's Tavern & 
stayed there the remainder of the day." — Washington's 
Diary. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9. 

At Washington City : " November 9. — Morning & whole 
day clear warm & pleasant set out a little after 8 oclock — 
viewed my building in the Fed' City — Dined at M' Laws — 
& lodged at M' Tho' Peter's. November 10. — Returned 
home about noon." — Washington's Diary. 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12. 

At Mount Vernon : " M" Washington and myself have 
been honoured by your polite invitation to the Assemblies 
at Alexandria this winter, and thank you for this mark of 
attention. But, alas ! our dancing days are no more. We 
wish, however, all those who have relish for so agreeable 
and innocent an amusement all the pleasures the season 
will afford." — Washington to the Gentlemen of the Alexandria 
Assemblies. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15. 

At Mount Eagle : " November 15. — Rode to visit M"" now 
Lord Fairfax who was just got home from a Trip to Eng- 
land — ret^ to dinner." — Washington's Diary. 



388 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1799 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBEE 17. 

At Alexandria : " November 17. — Went to Church in Alex- 
andria & dined with M'' Fitzhugh." — Washington's Diary. 

FKIDAY, NOVEMBER 22. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 22. — Col° Carrington * & 
Lady came in the aftern". — November 23. — Col" Carrington 
& Lady went away after Breakfast." — Washington's Diary. 

'^ Mount Vernon, November 22. — We arrived at this venerable mansion 
in perfect safety, where we are experiencing every mark of hospitality and 
kindness that the good old General's continued friendship to Colonel Car- 
rington could lead us to expect. His reception of my husband was that of 
a brother. He took us each by the hand, and, with a warmth of expression 
not to be described, pressed mine, and told me that 1 had conferred a favor 
never to be forgotten in bringing his old friend to see him ; then, bidding a 
servant to call the ladies, entertained us most facetiously till they ap- 
peared." — Mrs. Edioard Carrington to Mrs. George Fisher. \ 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 27. — Docf Craik who 
was sent for to M" Lewis (& who was delivered of a 
daughter ab' — oclock in the forenoon) came to Breakfast 
& stayed dinner." — Washington's Diary. 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28. 

At Mount Vernon : " November 28. — Col° & M" Carring- 
ton came to Dinner. November 30. — Col° & M" Carrington 
went away after B*." — Washington's Diary. 

^^ Mount Vernon. — After visiting my numerous friends, we returned to 
this revered mansion. . . . Everything within doors is neat and elegant, 
but nothing remarkable, except the paintings of different artists which have 
been sent as specimens of their talents. I think there are five portraits of 

* Colonel Edward Carrington, a Virginian by birth (February 11, 1749), 
was Quartermaster-General under General Greene in the Revolution. He 
commanded the artillery and did good service at the battle of Hobkirk's 
Hill, April 24, 1781, and also at Yorktown. He was a member of Con- 
gress 1785-86, and was foreman of the jury in Burr's trial for treason in 
1807. Colonel Carrington died at Richmond, Virginia, October 28, 1810. 

f Anne Ambler, a sister of Mrs. Carrington. 



1799] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 389 

the General, some done in Europe and some done in America, that do honor 
to the painters. There are other specimens of the fine arts from various 
parts of the world, that are admirably executed and furnish pleasant con- 
versation. Besides these, there is a complete greenhouse, which at this 
season is a vast, a great source of pleasure. Plants from every part of the 
world seem to flourish in this neatl}^ finished apartment, and from the 
arrangement of the whole I conclude that it is managed by a skillful hand, 
but whose I cannot tell : neither the General nor Mrs. "Washington seem 
more interested in it than their visitors. We have met with no company 
here, but am told that scarcely a week passes without some, and often more 
than is agreeable or convenient. Transient persons, who call from curi- 
osity, are treated with civility, but never interfere with the order of the 
house, or with the Genei-al's disposition of time, which is as regular as when 
at the head of the army or in the President's chair. Even friends who 
make a point of visiting him are left much to themselves ; indeed, scarcely 
see him from breakfast to dinner, unless he engages them in a ride, which 
is very agreeable to him. But from dinner to tea our time is most charm- 
ingly spent; indeed, one evening the General was so fascinating, and drew 
my husband out into so many old stories relating to several campaigns 
where they had been much together, and had so many inquiries to make 
respecting their mutual friends, particularly Kosciusko and Pulaski, who 
have always corresponded with Colonel Carrington, whose characters afford 
great interest, that it was long past twelve when we separated. At break- 
fast I feel quite at home, everything is so plain." — Mrs. Carrington to Mrs. 
Fisher. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 1. — Morning clear & but 
little W^ — that Southerly — Mer 26 — Lowering towards 
evening — Mer 36. — M' Foot dined here." — Washington's 
Diary. 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 2. — Rained in the Night — 
Morning heavy — "Wind Southerly — and Mer at 36. — after- 
noon calm & less clouded — Mer 38 — Lord Fairfax, Lady, 
Daughter & Miss Dennison dined here." — Washington's 
Diary. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 3. — Morning extremely 
foggy — Mer at 38 and wind what there was of it Southerly 



390 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1799 

— Ab* 2 oclock the fog dispelled and it became extremely 
pleasant — M" Stuart & daughters went away after break- 
fast." * — Washington's Diary. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 4. — Morning clear — "Wind 
at N° W and Mer at 36 — From 10 oclock until 2 very like 
for Snow — it then cleared & became mild & pleasant Mer 
38 at IS" :" — Washington's Diary. 

THUKSDAT, DECEMBEK 5. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 5. — Morning raining, and 
it continued to do so moderately through the day with the 
Wind at S° E*— Mer 38 in the Morning & 36 at Night."— 
Washington's Diary. 

PKIDAY, DECEMBER 6. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 6. — Morning heavy, with 
appearances of clearing now & then, but about 2 o'clock it 
set in to raining — Mer 34 in the Morning & 37 at Night." 

— Washington's Diary. 

SATUEDAY, DECEMBER 7. 

At Mount Eagle : " December 7. — Rainy Morning, with 
the wind at N° E' & Mer at 37 — afternoon clear & pleasant 
wind westerly — Mer 41 at Night— dined at Lord Fairfax's." 

— Washington's Diary. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 8. — Morning perfectly 
clear, calm and pleasant; but about 9 o'clock the wind 
came from the N° W and blew fresh. Mer 38 in the Morn- 
ing — and 40 at Night." — Washington's Diary. 

* " November 21. — M''^ Stuart and the two eldest Miss Stuarts came here 
to dinner." — Washington's Diary. 



1799] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 391 

MONDAY, DECEMBEK 9. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 9. — Morning clear & 
pleasant, with a light wind from N" W* Mer at 33 — pleasant 
all day — afternoon Calm Mer 39 at Night — M' Howell 
Lewis & wife set off on their return home after breakfast — 
and M"" Law® Lewis and Washington Custis on a journ^ to 
N : Kent." — Washmgtoii's Diary. 

James K. Paulding, in his " Life of Washington"* (vol. ii. p. 195), gives 
a statement made to him personally by one of the favorite nephews of Wash- 
ington, describing his last parting with the General. This nephew was 
doubtless Howell Lewis, who, by the above-quoted entry in the Diary, left 
Mount Vernon on December 9, after a ten days' visit. The statement is as 
follows : 

" During this, my last visit to the general, we walked together about the 
grounds, and talked of various improvements he had in contemplation. 
The lawn was to be extended down to the river in the direction of the old 
vault, which was to be removed on account of the inroads made by the roots 
of the trees, with which it is crowned, which caused it to leak. ' I intend 
to place it there,' said he, pointing to the spot where the new vault stands. 
' First of all, I shall make this change; for after all, I may require it before 
the rest. ' 

" When I parted from him. he stood on the steps of the front door, where 
he took leave of myself and another, and wished us a pleasant journey, as 
I was going to Westmoreland on business. It was a bright frosty morning, 
he had taken his usual ride, and the clear healthy flush on his cheek, and 
his sprightly manner, brought the remark from both of us that we had 
never seen the general look so well. I have sometimes thought him de- 
cidedly the handsomest man I ever saw ; and when in lively mood, so full 
of pleasantry, so agreeable to all with whom he associated, that I could 
hardly realize that he was the same Washington whose dignity awed all 
who approached him. 

" A few days afterwards, being on my way home in company with others, 
while we were conversing about Washington, I saw a servant rapidly riding 
towards us. On his near approach, I recognised him as belonging to Mount 
Vernon. He rode up — his countenance told the story — he handed me a 
letter. Washington was dead ! " 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 10. — Morning clear & 
calm — Mer at 31 afternoon lowering — Mer at 42 and wind 

* Published at New York in 1835. 



392 WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. [1799 

brisk from the Southward — A very large hoar frost this 
Morn^." — Washington's Diary. 

On this day (December 10) Washington completed a plan or system, 
which had been under consideration for some time, for the management and 
cultivation of the Mount Vernon farms for several successive years. In 
this paper, which occupies thirty closely written folio pages, the most minute 
and detailed instructions are given as to the cultivation of the land, with 
tables designating the rotations of the crops. This was accompanied by a 
letter of the same date to James Anderson, his manager, with a request that 
the instructions be " most strictly and pointedly attended to and executed, 
as far as the measures required will admit." 

As an example of his remarkable powers of application and life-long 
attention to detail, and also as showing the soundness and vigor of his 
intellect at this period of his life, the document possesses considerable in- 
terest. 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 11. — But little wind and 
Raining — Mer 44 in the Morning and 38 at Night. — About 
9 oclock the Wind shifted to W W* & it ceased raining but 
cont*^ Cloudy. — Lord Fairfax, his Son Tho^ and daughter — 
M" Warner Washington & son Whiting — and M"' Jn° Her- 
bert dined here & returned after dinner." — Washington's 
Diary. 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12. 

At Mount Vernon : " December 12. — Morning Cloudy — 
Wind at W E' & Mer 33— a large circle round the Moon 
last Night. — about 1 o'clock it began to snow — soon after 
to Hail and then turned to a settled cold Rain — Mer 28 at 
Night." — Washington's Diary. 

" On Thursday, December 12, the General rode out to his fsirms about ten 
o'clock, and did not return home till past three. Soon after he went out, 
the weather became very bad, rain, hail, snow falling alternately, with a 
cold wind. When he came in, I carried some letters to him to frank, in- 
tending to send them to the post-office in the evening. He franked the 
letters, but said the weather was too bad to send a servant to the office that 
evening. I observed to him. that I was afraid he had got wet. He said, 
No, his great-coat had kept him dry. But his neck appeared to be wet, and 



1799] WASHINGTON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 393 

the snow was hanging upon his hair. He came to dinner (which had been 
waiting for him) without changing his dress. In the evening he appeared 
as well as usual." — Tobias Lear. (Sparks, vol i. p. 555.) 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13. 

At Mount Yernon : " December 18. — Morning Snowing & 
ab* 3 Inches deep *— Wind at N° E* & Mer at 30— cont^ 
Snowing till 1 oclock — and ab' 4 it became perfectly clear — 
wind in the same place but not hard — Mer 28 at Night." — 
Washington's Diary. 



This, the final entry of the Diary of 1799, was the last 
piece of writing executed by Washington. On the follow- 
ing morning, Saturday, December 14, between two and 
three o'clock, he was taken seriously ill from a cold in- 
curred on the morning of the 12th, while taking his usual 
ride, and died that night of quinsy, between ten and eleven 
o'clock. 

At three o'clock in the afternoon of Wednesday, Decem- 
ber 18, 1799, all that was mortal of George Washington, 
soldier, statesman, and patriot, the foremost man in Ameri- 
can history, was deposited with Masonic ceremonies in the 
family vault at Mount Vernon. He had passed from the 
sight of man ; but his fame, so long as virtue, truth, and 
sincerity shall be guiding principles, will increase with the 
gathering years ! 

* " A heavy fall of snow took place on Friday, which prevented the 
General from riding out as usual. He had taken cold, undoubtedly from 
being so much exposed the day before, and complained of a sore throat. 
He, however, went out in the afternoon into the ground between the house 
and the river to mark some trees, which were to be cut down in the improve- 
ment of that spot." — Tobias Lear. 



INDEX. 



Abbot's Tavern, 159 

Abert's Tavern, Alexandria, 347 

Abingdon, the Stuarts reside at, 359 

Adams, Abigail, children of, 203 

Adams, Charles, attends presidential 
levee, 203 

Adams, Henry, owns Washington's por- 
trait by Savage, 178 

Adams, John, declared Vice-President, 
120, 249 ; dines with Washington, 144, 
174, 179,340,343; visits Fort Wash- 
ington, 187 ; children of, 203 ; pre- 
sents address to Washington, 231 ; ex- 
tract of letters from, to his wife, 271, 
303, 304, 318, 319, 321, 322, 324, 334, 
345, 346; takes oath of oflSce, 344; 
Washington to, accepting the appoint- 
ment of Commander-in-Chief of the 
army, 363, 364 ; birthday of, celebrated, 
366 ; visits Quincy, Mass, 371 

Adams, Mrs. John, 149, 161, 162; Wash- 
ington calls on, 172; to her daughter, 
with account of presidential levee, 203 ; 
extract of letter from, 206; illness of, 
371 

Adams, John Quincy, 203 ; extract from 
diary of, 279, 280 ; appointed minister 
to the Netherlands, 279 

Adams, Samuel (Gov.), 153 

Adams, Thomas, 381 

Adams, Thomas Boylston, 203 

Adams, William, 380 

Adams' Mill, 28 

Adet, Pierre Auguste, presented to Wash- 
ington, 303 ; gives national colors of 
France to United States, 317, 377 

Aimes, see Ames 

Alexander, Philip, 48 

Alexander, Robert, 111 

Alexandria, Washington visits, on behalf 
of a charity school, 47 ; races held at, 
63; ratification of the Constitution 
celebrated in, 105; Washington Lodge 
of, in possession of Washington's por- 
trait by Williams, 240; inhabitants of, 
celebrate Fourth of July, 259, 361, 
383; Masonic Lodge of, gives dinner to 
Washington, 347 ; celebration of Wash- 
ington's birthday at, 356; and John 
Adams's birthday, 366 ; Mrs. Washing- 
ton presents " colors" to, 366 ; public 



dinner at, in honor of Chief-Justice 
Marshall, 368; Washington refuses the 
invitation to join the assemblies of, 
387 

Alison, Archibald, quoted, 333 

Allan, , 214 

Allans, Col., 214 

Alleghany County, Pa., opposition to 
excise laws in, 243 

Allen, 231 

Allen, Misses, present at presidential 
levee, 203 

Alston, Capt. William, 215 

Alton, John, death of, 46 

Ambler, Anne, 388 

American Philosophical Society, AVash- 
ington a member of, in 1780, 'im ; 
eulogium on Dr. Franklin before the, 
207 ; attends oration delivered over 
Diivid Kittenhouse, 335 

Ames, Fisher, 131, 167, 181, 186; is 
member of House of Representatives 
in 1790, 166; speech of, in favor of 
Jay Treaty, 323 

Anderson, James, 336, 392 ; Washington 
to, 331, 365 

Anderson's Tavern, 30 

Andrew, , 213 

Andrews, Robert, 142 

Andriani, Count, visits America, 208 

Annapolis, Md., General Assembly of 
State gives a ball at, to Washington, 
20 

Anstey, Mr. , commissioner from 

England, visits Mount Vernon, 67 

Armistead, Miss , 362 

Armstrong, Rey. James F., accompanies 
Washington to Princeton, 126 

Army, Washington appointed Command- 
er-in-Chief of the, 363 

Arnold, Benedict, near Detroit, 185; oc- 
cupies the house afterwards owned by 
Robert Morris, 199 

Articles of Confederation, Washington 
on, 57 

Asbury, Francis, visits Mount Vernon, 
31 

Ash, John B., 178 

Ashby, Capt. John, 17 

Ashe, Col. John B., invites Washington 
to dine with citizens of Halifax, 214 
395 



396 



INDEX. 



Bache, , issues pamphlet in opposi- 
tion to Jay Treaty, 304 

Bache, Mrs. Richard, 87 

Bailey, Francis, 170 

Baird, John, 229 

Baker, Dr. , mentioned, 46 

Baldo, , 368 

Baldwin, Abraham, 167, 176 

Ball, 68 

Ball, Col. Burgess, Washington to, on 
fever at Philadelphia, 267 j and on 
death of his brother, 385 

Ball, Joseph, 340 

Ball, Moses, 28 

Balis, Widow , 92 

5a/<i'more, celebration at, of the adoption 
of the Constitution, 104; Washington 
passes through in 1789, 112, 123 

Bank, National, Congress establishes, 208 

Bard, Dr. Samuel, physician to Washing- 
ton, 140 

Barge, Mr. . 84, 256 

Barney, , 374 

Barney, Capt. Joshua, presents ship 
" Federalist" to Washington, 104 ; 
mentioned, 105 

Barr, , 220 

Barre, , 180 

Bartram, John William, Washington 
visits botanical garden of, 79, 88 ; 
mentioned, 246 

Bassett, Col. Burwell, 32, 33, 39, 366 ; visits 
Mount Vernon, 23 ; his connection with 
the Washington family, 23 

Bassett, Fanny, 23, 34, 38, 39, 44 ; mar- 
riage of, 40 

Bassett, Richard, 144, 169, 174 

Bastile, key of, presented to Washington, 
189, 229 

Battery, the New York, frequented by 
Washington, 166, 174, 179 

Bauman, Col. Sebastian, 141, 146; regi- 
ment of, reviewed by Washington, 189; 
the fireworks at the inauguration of 
Washington directed by, 132 

Bayard, Miss , 138 

Baylor, John, 29 

Beach, Dr. Abraham, 142 

Beach, Theophylact, 130 

Beall's Mill, 34 

Beatty, John, Speaker of House of As- 
sembly, visits Washington, 163 

Beckley, John, of Virginia, clerk of House 
of Representatives, dines with Wash- 
ington, 165; mentioned, 176, 344 

Bedford, Judge Gunning, 175 

Bee, Judge, 217 

Belmont, in Fairmount Park, residence of 
Judge Peters, 76, 85, 88, 244 

" Belvoir," residence of George William 
Fairfax, 24; ruins of, 93; mentioned, 
358 



Benson, Egbert, 128, 131, 164, 175, 181, 
184 

Bentalon, , 371 

Bicker, Maj. , 131 

Biddle, Charles, his opinion of Washing- 
ton, 89 

Biddle, Clement, Tobias Lear to, on the 
indisposition of Washington, 140 ; ex- 
tract of letter to, 194 

Bingham, Hon. William, 75, 80, 82, 83, 
85, 87, 89, 100, 228, 373; congratulates 
Washington on his sixty-fourth birth- 
day, 298 

Bingham, Mrs. William, request of, to 
Washington to sit for portrait, 324, 325 ; 
present at presidential levee, 203 

Bishop, Thomas, death of wife of, servant 
of Washington, 46 

Bishop's History quoted, 338 

Blackburn, Capt. , 368, 383, 384 

Blackburn, Col. Thomas, 22, 104; candi- 
date for presidential elector, 116 

Blackwell, Dr. Robert, 311 

Blair, Hon. Judge , accompanies 

Washington on visit to Rhode Island, 
191; to Providence, 192 

Blair, John, 91, 92, 171 

Blanchard, , the aeronaut, 248 

Bland, Col. Theodoric, 60, 128, 147, 171, 
172, 181 

Blidenberg, , 180 

Bond, Phineas, 306, 350 

Booker, , 369 

Boston, AVashington at, in 1789, 153 ; citi- 
zens of, denounce the Jay Treaty, 305 

Boude, Thomas, 340 

Boudinot, Elias, 128, 168, 173, 178, 184 

Bowdoin, James, 155 

Bowen, Mr. , exhibits wax-works, 146 

Bowie, , proposes to write a memoir 

of Washington, 7 

Bovd, , 237 

Boyd, Robert , 131 

Bradbury, Theophilus, to Mrs. Thomas 
Hooper, 315 

Bradford, (insurgent), escapes to 

Spain's territory, 290 

Bradford, Jr., William, acts as escort to 
Washington through Philadelphia in 
1789, 124 ; appointed Attorney-General, 
272; mentioned, 279, 312 

Brant, Joseph, induced to visit Philadel- 
phia, 238, 239 ; visits AVashington, 340 

Breck, , 158 

Breck, Samuel, extract from writings of, 
244, 245, 351 

Brehan, Marchioness de, at Mount Ver- 
non, 110, 111; mentioned, 138, 149. 
150; completes miniature profile of 
AVashington, 147; sends AA'^ashington 
copy of his profile, 198, 199 

Brewster, Col. , tavern of, 157 



INDEX. 



397 



Brisbane, William, 142 

Brooks, Gen. John, 163 

Broome, John, 130 

Brown, Miss , 147, 163 

Brown, Mrs. , dines with Washing- 
ton, 165 

Brown, Anne, is entertained by Mrs. 
Washington, 166 

Brown, Jeremiah, 340 

Browne, John, 178, 184 

Browne and Francis, owners of packet 
Indiaman, 192 

Bryden, , 371 

Buchan, Earl of, presents Washington 
with " Wallace Box," 232 

Buckminster, Rev. Joseph, 157 

Bulkly, 227 

Bull, Thomas, 340 

Burges, Sir James Bland, extract of letter 
to, 235, 238, 253 

Burke, Edanus, 167, 176 

Burr, Aaron, mention of trial of, 388 

Burt, Charles, 199 

Bush Hill, residence of William Hamil- 
ton in 1787, 78, 87 

Butler, 68 

Butler, Maj. Pierce (Senator from 
South Carolina), 135, 161, 170, 174, 
179, 184; Washington sends theatre 
tickets to, 162; welcomes Washington 
to Charleston, 216, 217; accompanies 
Washington to Savannah, 217 

Butler, Gen. Richard, death of, 231 

Butler, William, 14 

Cadwalader, Lambert, 169, 178,184 

Cadwallader, Miss , 78 

Cadwallader, Gen. John, visits Mount 
Vernon, 30 

Calvert, George, 108, 117, 378, 382 

Campbell, James, 83 

Canal navigation, Washington on, 21, 
22 

Canon, Col. John, of Canon sburg, enter- 
tains Washington, 15 

Caraman, Chevalier , 19 

Carey, Henry, 301 

Carle, Capt. , acts as escort to Wash- 
ington through Trenton, 1789, 125, 
127 

Carlyle, Col. , 56 

Carpenter, Abraham, 340 

Carpenter's Hall, meeting of the Agricul- 
tural Society at, 82 

Carrington, Col. Edward, 99, 388 

Carrington, Mrs. Edward, to Mrs. George 
Fisher, 388, 389 

Carroll, Charles, 128, 131, 177, 181, 357; 
presents address to Washington from 
Roman Catholics, 175 

Carroll, Jr., Charles, notice of marriage 
of, to Harriet Chew, 357 



Carroll, Daniel, 210; presents address 
from Roman Catholics to Washington, 
175; commissioner ior the Capitol at 
Washington, 264 

CarroUsbiirg, 210 
Carter, 356 

Carter, Col. Charles, 72, 104, 378, 379; 
Washington to, on his cramped accom- 
modations for household, 237 

Carter, Landon, Washington to, 333 

Gary, 358 

Casson, see Canon 

Cafitiglioni, Count, visits Mount Vernon, 
49 

Catholics, Roman, address from, to Wash- 
ington, 175 

Census, Washington assents to the act 
for taking the, 174 

Ceracchi, Giuseppe, and national monu- 
ment, 301 

Chaloner, Mr. , 69 

Chambers, 300 

Chambers, Charlotte, extract of letter 
from, to Mrs. James Chambers, 300 

Chfimbemburg, 300 

Chappedelaine, Marquis de, visits Mount 
Vernon, 100 

Chcu-leston, S. C, picture of Washington 
by Trumbull owned by city of, 236 

Charleeiutrn, Went Va., origin of name 
of, 11 

ChuitieiH Creek, 14, 15 

Chase, Judge Samuel, of Maryland, 344, 
371 ; appointed commissioner to settle 
the jurisdiction of the Chesapeake 
Bay, 27 

Chastellux, his description of Washington 
criticised, 113 

Chateaubriand, Viscount de, interview of, 
with Washington, 229 

Cheat River, 15, 16 

Cherokee nation sends delegates to treat 
with Washington, 280 

Chesapeake Bay, meeting called to settle 
the jurisdiction of the, 26, 27 

Chew, 357 

Chew, Misses , present at presidential 

levee, 203 

Chew, Benjamin, 76, 88, 357 ; house of, 
occupied by Washington, 297 

Chew, Harriet, notice of marriage of, to 
Charles Carroll, Jr., 357; mentioned, 
379 

Chew, Peggy, 76 

Chickasaw Indians, Washington holds 
reception for, 279 

Chovet, Dr. A., see Shovat 

Christ Church, of Alexandria, 377, 381 ; 
of Philadelphia, 80, 251, 297, 342 

Christiana Bridge, accident to Washing- 
ton's carriage at, 92 

Chrystie, Maj. , 131 



398 



INDEX. 



Cincinnati Society, Washington dines 
with, at Charleston, 217 ; at Savannah, 
218; certificates of, signed by Wash- 
ington, 25, 42, 47 ; of Massachusetts 
welcomes Washington to Boston, 155; 
of New York waits on Washington, 
141, 185; of Pennsylvania, 8, 72, 75, 
83, 240, 271, 272, 299, 320, 340; of 
Rhode Island, 193 

City Light Horse, 90 

City Tavern, Philadelphia, 77-80, 83, 87, 
90, 91, 195, 346 

Clark's Tavern, 30 

Clarkson, Matthew, 84 ; report of, on 
yellow fever at Philadelphia, 265 

Clay, Joseph, 218 

Clifton, , 384 

Clinton, Miss Cornelia, 161 

Clinton, Gov. George, 144, 148, 161, 178, 
194; Washington to, on receiving an 
invitation to his house, 119 ; receives 
Washington at New York in 1789, 129 ; 
entertains Washington and family at 
dinner, 164 ; reviews Col. Rutger's 
troops, 189 ; accompanies Washington 
to Rhode Island, 191, 192; daughter 
of, marries M. Genet, 258 

Clinton, Mrs. George, Washington takes 
tea with, 184 

Cliveden, 88 

Clymer, George, 78, 80, 84, 168, 169, 178 

Cobb, Gen. David, 155 

Cobbett, William, extract from pamphlet 
of, 314 

Cochran, , 215 

Coffee House, Merchants', 346 

Coke, Rev. Thomas, visits Mount Vernon, 
31 

Cold Spring Club, tee Springettsbury 

Coles, Isaac, 133, 165, 173, 222 

College of Philadelphia, Washington 
present at opening of Law School of, 
202 

Columbia College, Annual Commencement 
of. May 9, 1789, 133 

Colvill, Col. Thomas, Washington execu- 
tor of the estate of, 110 

Condict, Capt. , escorts Washington 

at Elizabiithtown, 1789, 128 

Congress, sessions of, held at Sixth and 
Chestnut Streets, 201 

" Congress Hall," description of, 201 

Constitution of United States proposed, 
91 ; ratification of, 98 

Contee, Benjamin, 175, 184 

Conway, Moncure Daniel, 274 

Conway, Capt. Richard, 62, 100; Wash- 
ington to, requesting loan of money, 
IIS 

Cook, Dr. , 363 

Cooke, Col. , 72 

Cookeriy, , 225 



Corbin, Francis, 73, 74 

" Cornplanter," the Seneca chief, visits 
Washington, 340 

Cornwallis, Lord, 220, 257, 327 

Cotton manufactory, Washington and 
party visit, 238 

Cox, John, 142 

Coxe, , 302 

Craik, George Washington, 376, 377, 379, 
386 ; secretary to Washington, 334 

Craik, Dr. James, 70, 100, 101, 110, 36.3, 
365, 367, 375, 376, 379, 384, 388; 
Washington to, on a proposed memoir 
of Washington by Bowie, 7 ; accom- 
panies Washington on a visit to Western 
Pennsylvania, 11-16; Washington de- 
sires to provide for the education of 
his son, 36 ; sketch of life of, 37 ; 
physician to Washington, 62 ; enter- 
tains Washington and family, 66 

Craik, Nancy, 110 

Craik, William, 12, 33, 369, 384 

Crawford, Maj. , 220 

Crawford, Capt. William, 13 

Creek Indians, see Indians, Creek 

Cresaps, Col, Thomas, 12 

Crevecoeur, Hector St. -John de, Washing- 
ton to, 121 

Cushing, Judge William, 170, 171, 172, 
344, 375 ; administers oath of office to 
Washington, 251 

Cushing, Mrs. William, extract of letter 
from, 302 

Custis, 23, 282 

Custis, , estate of. 111 

Custis, Eliza Parke, Washington to, on 
matrimony, 282 ; mentioned, 302 

Custis, George Washington Parke, 38, 
49, 64, 94, 164, 277, 303, 391; receives 
by will the Four Mile Run, 56 ; at 
Abingdon, 101; at Alexandria, 101; 
accompanies Washington to Philadel- 
phia, 194; Washington to, 351 ; attends 
St. John's College, Annapolis, 356 ; 
quoted, 379 

Custis, John Parke, 186, 35.3, 359 

Custis, Nelly, 39, 52, 63, 164, 277, 311, 
349, 351, 355, 361, 365, 377, 379; ac- 
companies Washington to Philadelphia, 
194; to Mount Vernon, 346; to Mrs. 
Wolcott, 347; marriage of, 357, 378 

Cutler, Manasseh, 81 

Daggett, , 192 

Dalby, Mrs. , 33 

Dalson, , 362 

Dalton, Tristram, 131, 144, 148, 155, 156, 
157, 163, 170, 174, 179, 184 

Dalton, Mrs. Tristram, 138 ; Washington 
calls on, 162 

Dancing Assembly of New York, Wash- 
ington attends ball given by, 133 ; of 



INDEX. 



399 



Philadelphia celebrates Washington's 
birthday with a ball, 233, 272, 299; 
New City, gives entertainment to 
Washington, 234 

Dandridge, 23 

Dandridge, Bartholomew, resides with 
Washington, 237 ; mentioned, 241 ; ac- 
companies Washington to Germantown, 
266 ; introduces Wansey to Washing- 
ton, 277 ; extract of letter from, to 
Giuseppe Ceracchi, 301; accompanies 
Washington on Western expedition, 
283, 286, 287 

Dandridge, Mrs. Bartholomew, death of, 
28 

D'Arteignan, Count de Cheiza, 53 

Dartmouth College, N. H., 161 

Daugherty, , 13 

Davenport, James, receives first patent 
for textile machines, 338 

Davidson, Rev. Dr., Washington attends 
church of, at Carlisle, 286 

Davie, Gov. William Richardson, ap- 
pointed Envoy Extraordinary to 
France, 385 

Davis, Rev. Thomas, rector of Christ 
Church, Alexandria, 101 ; delivers dis- 
course at celebration at Alexandria, 
259, 361 ; mentioned, 378 

Dayton, Jonathan, 335, 344 

Deakins, Jr., Col. William, 122 

De Hart, Miss, , cuts silhouettes of 

Washington, 26 

Delivs, , 360 

Deneale, Capt. Geo., 366; Washington 
to, 378 

Dennison, Miss , 389 

D'Estaing, Count, presents Washington 
with bust of M. Necker, 197; men- 
tioned, 218 

Dickenson, Gov. , 29 

Dickenson, Gen. Philemon, 87 

Difficult Run, Loudoun County, Va., 386 

Digges, George, 32, 73, 94, 108, 109 

Dinsmoor, , 375 

Dismal Swamp Company, 29 

Dobson, , 222 

Donald, Alexander, to Thomas Jefferson 
on his visit to Mount Vernon, 93 

Doradour, Count, visits Mount Vernon, 45 

Douglas, Capt. , escorts Washington 

at New Brunswick, 1789, 127 

Drayton, William, Washington to, on his 
appointment as honorary member of 
the South Carolina Agricultural So- 
ciety, 53 ; visits Mount Vernon, 64 

Dreor, Ferdinand J., 331 

Drew, Capt. , 173 

Duane, Judge James, 147, 178 

Duane, Mayor James, receives Washing- 
ton at New York, 1789, 129; men- 
tioned, 142 



Dubois, , 149 

Duer, Lady Kitty, 138 

Duer, Col. William, 147, 163 

Dulany, Benjamin, 48 

Dulany, Jr., Daniel, 48 

Dumas, Gen. Mathieu, Washington to, 

349 

Dumfries, , 29, 30, 212 

Dunlap, Capt. John, 287, 293 

Du Pont, M., at Mount Vernon, 110; 

accompanies French ambassador to 

America, 228 
Durang, Charles, quoted, 205 
Durang, John, 204 

Eastern States, Washington leaves New 
York on tour through, 150 

Edgar, Mrs. , 138 

Edwards, , Speaker of the Assembly, 

New Haven, 151 

Egbert, Maj. Thomas, Washington visits 
house of, 127 

Elk, Head of, Washington at, in 1787, 
91 

Ellenborough, Lord, 374 

Ellicot, , 223 

Ellicot, Andrew, surveyor of District of 
Columbia, 210 

Elliot, Mrs. , 65 

Ellsworth, Oliver, 85, 135, 152, 169, 174, 
323, 344, 382; appointed Envoy Ex- 
traordinary to France, 385 

Elmer, Jonathan, 169 

Embargo on commerce. Congress lays an, 
for thirty days, 275 

Enew, Capt. , 100 

Epplee's Tavern, 83 

Erskine, Thomas, Washington to, 350 

Espy, David, entertains Washington at 
Bedford, 289 

Estaing, Count de, 150 

Eveleigh, Nicholas, 178 

Everet, , 215 

Excise law, opposition to, 242; Wash- 
ington's proclamation regarding, 281 

Eyerly, Jacob, 229 

Fairfax, 24 

Fairfax, Col. , 29 

Fairfax, Rev. Bryan, 70, 101, 103, 387, 
389, 390, 392; at Mount Vernon, 33, 
41 ; Washington lodges at house of, 38, 
41, 52, 60, 63 ; return of, to England, 
359; Washington to, 377; home of, 
377 

Fairfax, Ferdinando, at Mount Vernon, 33 

Fairfax, George William, 101, 358 ; Wash- 
ington to, assuring him a welcome to 
Mount Vernon, 60 

Fairfax, Sally Cary, AVashington to, on 
permanent seat of government, 358 

Fairfax, Thomas, 392 



400 



INDEX. 



Fairfax County, Va., election of dele- 
gates, for, 358 ; court-house of, 359 ; 
mentioned, 361 

Fairlie, Capt. James, visits Mount Vernon 
in the interests of the Society of the 
Cincinnati, 47 

Faneuil Hall, Washington dined by Gov- 
ernor and Council at, in 1789, 155 

Fans presented to the ladies who attended 
the Washington ball, 1789, 134 

Fauchet, Monsieur , minister to 

United States, 258 ; presented to Wash- 
ington, 272 ; retirement of, 304 ; de- 
spatches of, captured by British vessel, 
308 

Fayette County, Pa., Washington's account 
of visit to, 10, 11, 13, 16 ; meetings held 
in, in opposition to excise laws, 243 

Federal Convention, Washington attends, 
74 

" Federalist" first published in 1788, 99 

Fell's Point troops, 371 

Fendal, Philip Richard, 43, 69, 108, 110, 
113; Mrs. , 34, 379 

Fenner, Gov. Arthur, of Rhode Island, 
192 

Fever, yellow, in Philadelphia, 371 

Few, William, dines with Washington, 
138, 163, 167, 174; presents address to 
Washington, 175, 176 

Fifer, Capt. , 221 

Findlay, William, 229, 287 

Fish, Nicholas, 128 

Fisher, Capt, , 251 

Fisher, Mrs. George, extract of letter to, 
388, 389 

Fishery at Mount Vernon, 64 

Fish water, , 16 

Fitch, John, visits Mount Vernon with 
model for steam navigation, 42 

Fitzgerald, Col. John, 25, 28, 31, 36, 38, 
39, 44, 46, 51, 52, 60, 63, 94, 100, 107, 
108, 110, 117, 331, 355, 363, 370, 379, 
383, 384 

Fitzhugh, Molly, 379 

Fitzhugh, Nicholas, 386 

Fitzhugh, William, 55, 104, 355, 376, 380, 
388 

Fitzhugh, Jr., William, 110 

Fitzimmons, , 346 

Fitzsimmons, Thomas, 170, 176, 186 ; pre- 
sents address from Roman Catholics to 
Washington, 175 

Flag, French, presented to United States, 
317 

Flagg, Dr. , 215 

Florida, Blanca, Count de, AVashington to, 
on receipt of three jackasses, 47 

Floyd, William, 168, 181 

Foot, , 389 

Forest, Madam de la, 138 

Formicalo, , 55 



Forrest, Col. , 211 

Fort Johnson, Washington visits, 217 

Fort Moultrie, Washington visits, 217 

Fort Washington, Washington and party 
visit, 187 

Foster, Abiel, 167, 176 

Foster, Theodore, 184; accompanies 
Washington to Providence, 192 

Foulke, Theophilus, 340 

Fountain Inn, Baltimore, 346 « 

Fox, C. T., remarks of, in Parliament, eu- 
logizing Washington, 268 

Fox, Gilbert, sings " Hail Columbia" at 
Chestnut Street Theatre, 369 

Fox-hunting, Washington takes part in, 96 

Foy, , 215 

France, hostilities of, towards the United 
States, 364 

Francis, Tench, 77, 81, 372 

Franklin, Benjamin, 74, 75, 79, 88, 90, 
252 ; presents petition from Pennsylva- 
nia Abolition Society, 176; eulogy on, 
before the American Philosophical Soci- 
ety, 207 

Franklin House, residence of Washington 
in New York, 129 

Franks, Col. Isaac, 161, 267; owner of 
house at Germantown occupied by 
Washington, 283 

Frazer, Robert, 340 

Frederickshiirg. death of Mrs. Mary 
Washington at, 145 

Freeman, Jonathan, 358 

Freeman, Maj. Thomas, 15 

Frelinghuysen, Frederick, 293 

French, Miss , 379 

Freneau, Philip, paper of, insulting to 
Washington, 262 

Frere, Chevalier de, from Portugal, pre- 
sented to Washington, 292, 302 

Frestel, M. , 312, 324; sails for 

France, 352 

Fullerton, Capt. Richard, dines at Mount 
Vernon, 42 

Gadsby's Tavern, Alexandria, 370 

Gale, George, 172, 178 

Gallatin, Albert, 323 

Gardner, Philip, 228 

Gardoqui, Don Diego de, 89, 90, 227; 

leaves for Spain, 148 

Garnet, , 219 

Garrard, Louis H., 300 

Gates, Gen. Horatio, meets Washington 

in 1784, regarding the navigation of 

the Potomac, 21, 22; mentioned, 220 

Gatewood, , 222 

Gauze, William, 215 

Genet, Edward Charles, minister from 

France, 258; recall of, requested, 258; 

Cabinet meeting held to consider the 

conduct of, 262 



INDEX. 



401 



Germantown, Washington resides at, dur- 
ing prevalence of yellow fever in Phil- 
adelphia, 266 ; and during the warm 
weather, 280-283 

Germantown Academy offered for use of 
Congress, 267 

Gerry, Elbridge, 91, 160, 165, 173, 178, 
184; appointed envoy to France, 368 

Gerry, Mrs. Elbridge, 138, 164 

Gill, Jonathan, 386, 387 

Gilman, Maj. Nicholas, 157, 165, 166, 
175, 181, 186 

Gilpin, Col. George, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 46, 
51, 52, 69, 60, 63, 103, 117; elected 
director of Potomac Navigation Com- 
pany, 31 

Gion, Capt. Penthere, 155 

Gist, Thomas, 13 

Globe Mills, Philadelphia, Washington 
visits, 338 

Golden, , 288 

Goldsborough, , 34, 36, 38, 60 

Goodhue, Benjamin, 167, 175, 184 

Gordon, William, Washington to, with 
silhouettes, 26 ; and on prospect of 
adoption of the Constitution, 98 ; and 
spurious letters, 353 

Gore, Christopher, 178 

Gorham, Nathaniel, 85 

Gorman, , accompanies Washington 

to Providence, 192 

Graham, Mrs. Catharine Macaulay, visits 
Mount Vernon, 32 

Grnnhy, 219 

Grandchain, Capt. (of the French 

navy), 18 

Grant's Tavern, 123, 196 

Gray, George, 81 ; fete given on grounds 
of, 195 

Gray, Robert, 81 

Gray's Ferry, Washington at, 74, 81, 84, 
88 ; decoration of the bridge at, in 
1789, 124 

Grayson, Rev. Spence, mentioned, 40 

Great Meadows, Fayette County, Pa., 
location of, 13 

Green, , 180 

Green, Dr. Ashbel, Reminiscences of, 
245, 339, 341, 343 

Green, Rev. Berryman, 101 

Greene, Gen. Nathaniel, 220. 388 ; Wash- 
ington and Hamilton on death of, 61 ; 
oration on, 141 

Greene, Mrs. Nathaniel 147, 163, 177; 
Washington sends theatre tickets to, 
162 ; Washington calls on, 218 

Greenhow, Dr. , 376 

Greenwood, Isaac, 298 

Greenwood, John, dentist to Washington, 
298 

Gregory, Capt. , visits Mount Vernon, 

106 



Grenville, Lord, 308 

Griffin, , 204 

Griffin, Lady Christiana, dines with Wash- 
ington, 163; mentioned, 179 

Griffin, Cyrus, 134, 147, 179 

Griffin, David, dines with Washington, 
161 

Griffin, Samuel, Washington to, accepting 
office of chancellorship in William and 
Mary College, 102 ; mentioned, 163, 
173 

Griffith, Dr. David, 40, 68, 69, 70 ; rector 
of Christ Church, Alexandria, 1780- 
1789, 101 

Groal, Jonathan, 172, 184 

Grosvenor, Col. , 169 

Grout, Hep Groal 

Guest, Capt. , escorts Washington at 

New Brunswick, 1789, 127 

Gulager, Christian, 158 

Gunn, James, 181 

Gurney, Francis, 228, 287, 340 

Gwins, , 12 

Habersham, Col. Joseph, 218 

" Hail Columbia" written by Joseph Hop- 
kinson, 359 

Hall, , 108, 109 

Hallam, Mr. and Mrs. , comedy pre- 
sented for the benefit of, 293 

Halon. Capt. , acts as escort to Wash- 
ington at Trenton, 1789, 125 

Hamilton, , 14 

Hamilton Capt, , 382 

Hamilton, Col. Alexander, 77, 90, 171, 
261, 371, 374; on death of General 
Nathaniel Greene, 61, 141 ; Washington 
to, on subject of the Presidency, 108; 
on the opening of Congress, 198 ; on 
the itinerary of trip through the 
Southern States, 212; on press of du- 
ties, 241 ; on Viscount de Noailles, 256 ; 
on his trip, 291, 292 ; on his retirement 
from the Secretaryship, 296; on Treaty 
of Amity, 304, 324, 325 ; appointed 
Secretary of the Treasury, 139; Wash- 
ington consults with, on the propriety 
of making a tour of Eastern States, 
148 ; receives theatre tickets from 
Washington, 162 ; writes to Wasliing- 
ton on his re-election, 241 ; at Cabinet 
meeting which issued proclamation of 
neutrality, 255; accomjianies Wash- 
ington on Western expedition, 283, 
284, 286, 287 ; attends Miss Willing's 
marriage, 312 

Hamilton, William, 76, 78, 87 

Hammond, George, 235, 237, 302, 308; 
first minister from Great Britain, pre- 
sents credentials to Washington, 231 ; 
"Jay Treaty" burned in front of house 
of, 306 



26 



402 



INDEX. 



Hampton, Col. Wade, 219 

Hancock, Gov. John, 152, 154, 155 

Hand, Gen. Edward, 226, 287 

Hand, Mrs., mentioned, 227 

Hannah, Capt. , 259 

Hannum, James, 340 

Hanover, 225 

Hanson, Samuel, 48, 100 ; Washington 
to, on his future political life, 116 

Hanson, Thomas, 48 

Han way, Capt. Samuel, 16 

Hare, Robert, Speaker of the Senate, 
congratulates Washington, 320 

Harpsichord of Nelly Custis, 355 

Harris, Capt. , 371 

Harrison, , 171, 220 

Harrison, Benjamin, AVashington to, re- 
garding the condition of the country in 
1784, 6 ; and on his future political 
life, 119; mentioned, 21, 163 

Harrison, William, of Maryland, visits 
Mount Vernon, 53 

Harrison, Maj. , mentioned, 380, 381 

Harsin, Capt. , 131 

Hartford, Conn., Washington at, in 1789, 
152 

Hartley, Thomas, 169, 170, 176, 225, 226, 
269 ; accompanies Charlotte Chambers 
to Mrs. Washington's levee, 299 

Hart's Tavern, 180 

Hartshorne, AVilliam, treasurer of Poto- 
mac Navigation Company, 33 

Harvard College, portrait of Washington, 
by Savage, owned by, 164 

Haskell, Capt. , 25 

Hathorne, John, 178 

Haviland, Mrs. , 150 

Hawkins, Benjamin, 169, 171,174,184; 
and settlement with Creek Indians, 
172 

Hay, Capt. George, 225 

Hay ward, Judge, 217 

Headricks, , 12 

Heard, Sir Isaac, Washington sends 
packet to, 237 

Heath, Col. , 358, 376 

Heath, James, 324 

Heister, Daniel, 169, 178, 184 

Henderson, Alexander, appointed com- 
missioner to settle the jurisdiction of 
the Chesapeake Bay, 26, 27 

Henderson, Richard, 73 

IT-ry, John, 174, 177 

Hfcjry, Patrick, .30 ; Washington to, de- 
clining shares in Potomac Company, 
41 ; to, with copy of Constitution, 92 ; 
to, on his desires for the United States, 
310 

Henry, Samuel, tavern of, 126 

Herbert, , 110, 363, 367, 379, 383, 

384 

Herbert, Miss , 379 



Herbert, Mrs. , 386 

Herbert, Jonathan, 358, 379, 384, 386, 
392 

Herbert, William, 41, 92 

Herd, Capt. , escorts Washington at 

Elizabeth-Town, 1789, 128 

High Street, Philadelphia, Washington 
resides on, 373 

Hill, Henry, trustee of Germantown 
Public School, 266 

Hiltzheimer, Jacob, extracts from diary 
of, 79, 82, 84, 199, 200, 205, 229, 230, 
245, 248, 249, 256, 260, 284, 301, 305, 
314, 320, 328, 336, 340 

Hipkins, , mentioned, 39 

Hites, Col. Abraham, 16 

Hobart, Judge John Sloss, dines with 
Washington, 165 

Hobklrk's Hill, 388 

Hodgden, , 363, 379 

Hodgson, , 382 

Hoes, Rev. Roswell Randall, 107 

Hoge, Jonathan, 229 

Holker, John (Consul-General of France), 
occupies house afterwards owned by 
Robert Morris, 199, 200 

Hollingsworth, Capt. , 346, 371 

Hooes, Col. , Washington dines at 

the house of, 1 17 

Hooper, Mrs. Thomas, Theophilus Brad- 
bury to, 315 

Hope Park, 351, 359 

Hopkin, Jonathan, 369 

Hopkinson, Francis, 29, 80 

Hopkinson, Joseph, Washington to, with 
thanks for copy of " Hail Columbia," 
359 

Horry, , 216 

Houdon, Jean Antoine, arrives at Mount 
Vernon and takes the bust of Washing- 
ton, 39 

Hough, (butcher), 59 

Hough, John, 56, 103 

Hounds, Washington follows the, 94, 95, 
96, 100 

House, Mrs. Mary, 74, 84, 89 

Houston, Mrs. , 138 

Houston, John, 218 

Howard, Col. .John Eager, 76 ; hospital- 
ities of, to Washington, 210 

Howe, Gen. Sir William, occupies house 
afterwards owned by Robert Morris, 
199 

Howell, Maj. Richard, composer of so- 
nata on Washington passing through 
Trenton, 1789, 126; Governor of New 
Jersey, meets Washington at Carlisle, 
285, 287 ; at Bedford, 289 

Hoyatt, , 150 "^ 

Huger, Daniel, 170, 178 

Hulme, John, 340 

Hume, 80 



INDEX. 



403 



Humphreys, Col. David, 61, 62, 74, 95, 
96, 100, 101, 108, 167 ; appointed secre- 
tary of commission to negotiate treaties, 
9; accompanies Washington to New 
York, 120, 122, 125, 127, 132; and to 
Senate Chamber, 167 ; and to Rhode 
Island, 191 ; AVashington to, 208, 227, 
253 ; sketch of life of, 227 

Hunt, Capt. , 280 

Hunter, , 100 

Hunter, John, visits Mount Vernon ; his 
opinion of Washington, 44, 45 

Hunter, William, 106 

Huntington, Benjamin, 172, 178, 184 

Huntington, Gen. Jedidiah, 151 

Huntington, Gov. Samuel, of New Haven, 
calls on Washington, 151 

Hutchinson, Dr. James, 89 

Hyler, Capt. Adam, 149 

Independence, Declaration of, celebration 
of the anniversary of, 185, 240 

Indian chiefs received by Washington, 
234, 238, 373 

Indian Queen, Philadelphia, 79, 82 

Indians, Creek, proposed treaty with, 161 ; 
mentioned, 16.3, 172, 190 

Indians, depredations of, 165; Washing- 
ton dines four sets of, 334 

Indians, Southern, meeting of Senate to 
discuss treaties with, 143 

Ingersoll, , 151, 154 

IngersoU, Jared, 75 

Ingraham, , 100 

Ingram, James, 220 

Iredell, James, nominated for associate 
judge, 171; to Mrs. Tredwell, 262; ex- 
tracts of letters from, to Mrs. Iredell, 
299, 302, 339, 341, 343; mentioned, 
344 

Irvine, Gen. William, 178, 287; gives in- 
telligence of Arnold, 185 

Izard, Ralph, 131, 135, 138, 149, 162, 168, 
170, 174, 179, 184; member of the 
Senate in 1790, 166; welcomes Wash- 
ington to Charleston, 216; notifies 
Washington of his re-election, 250 

Izard, Walter, visits Mount Vernon, 64 

Jackson, James, 169, 176 

Jackson, Maj. William, 74, 149, 150, 158, 
324, 372 ; secretary of convention at 
Philadelphia, 76, 78 ; accompanies 
Washington to Senate Chamber, 167; 
to Rhode Island, 191 ; to Philadelphia, 
195 ; to Southern States, 209, 212, 224, 
226 ; notice of marriage of, 311 

James River Navigation Company ; Wash- 
ington subscribes to, 36 ; refuses to ac- 
cept shares in, 41 ; views the works ol, 
55, 213, 222 

Jameson, , 219 



Jaudennes, Don Joseph de, presented to 
Washington, 227 ; mentioned, 302, 329 

Jay, John, 131, 133, 136, 144, 145, 160, 
161, 162, 171, 177, 194; Washington 
to, on confederation of States, 57 : on 
need of strong union, 61 ; on affairs 
of government, 139; on probability of 
war with Great Britain, 281 ; approves 
of Washington's tour through Eastern 
States, 148; appointed minister to Eng- 
land, 275, 276 ; extract of letter from, 
to Mrs. Jay, 275 ; signs Treaty of Amity, 
Commerce, and Navigation, 304 

" Jay Treaty" stipulates for the evacuation 
of the forts, 282 ; ratified iu London, 
322 ; appropriations required for carry- 
ing out, 323; ratified by Washington, 
304 ; great opposition to, from citizens 
of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, 
etc., 305 : mentioned, 307, 308 

Jefferson, Thomas, 1 77, 227, 252, 258, 261, 
343, 344; Alexander Donald to, on his 
visit to Mount Vernon, 93 ; Washing- 
ton to, 117; to, on the site of the per- 
manent seat of government, 211; to, 
with itinerary of trip through Southern 
States, 212 ; to, on strict neutrality, 
254 ; extracts of letters to, 259, 265, 
330 ; becomes Sacretary of State in 1790, 
139; writes to William Short, 183; ac- 
companies Washington on visit to Rhode 
Island, 191, 192; presents consul from 
Portugal to Washington, 200 ; residence 
of, in Philadelphia, 205; presents Eng- 
lish ambassador to Washington, 231 ; 
Edward Thornton's opinion of, 237; 
extract of letter from, to Washington 
on his re-election, 241 ; signs proclama- 
tion against opposition to excise law, 
242; to Madison, 243, 266; first to 
send message to Congress on its open- 
ing, 244, 245; at Cabinet meeting called 
to issue proclamation of neutrality, 
255 ; opposes Washington in reference 
to M. Genet, 262; to Mr. Pinckney, 
267 

"Jefferson's Anas," extracts from, 247 

Jenifer, Major Daniel, at Mount Vernon, 
26 ; appointed commissioner to settle 
the jurisdiction of the Chesapeake Bay, 
27; mentioned, 78 

Johnson, Capt. , 153 

Johnson, Joshua, 381 

Johnson, Thomas, 35, 41, 103, 210; ap- 
pointed commissioner to settle the juris- 
diction of the Chesapeake Bay, 27 ; 
elected director of the Potomac Navi- 
gation Company, 31 ; cemmissioner for 
the Capitol at Washington, 264 

Johnson, William Samuel, 128, 135, 162, 
181 

Johnston, , 223 



404 



INDEX. 



Johnston, Samuel, 52, 63, 170, 171, 174, 
181, 186 

Jones, Lt. , 363 

Jones, David, mentioned, 39 
Jones, Dr. John, 76 
Jones, Noble Wimberly, 218 
Jones, Paul, 252 

Jordan, Mrs. , 222, 223 

Juhan, , 77 

Kean, Lt. , 384 

Kean, John, 162, 178 

Keeptriest Furnace, 35 

Keith, , 367, 384 

Keith, Rev. , 66 

Kellerman, , accompanies French 

ambassador to America, 228 

Kemble, Gouverneur, owner of bust of 
Washington, 301 

Kemp's Tavern, 383 

Kenner's Tavern, 212 

Ketchum, , 180 

Keys Ferry, 11 

Keys, Richard, 340 

Kilty, , acts as escort to Washington 

in Annapolis, 210 

King, Rufus, 163, 164, 168, 174, 178, 179, 
184; notifies Washington of his re- 
election, 250 ; Washington sends theatre 
tickets to, 162 

King, Mrs. Rufus, 163, 179 

Kinner, , 213 

Knox, Gen. Henry, 74, 100, 131, 132, 134, 
162, 163, 171, 262, 279; Washington. to, 
on his life at Mount Vernon, 6 ; on his 
parting with Lafayette, 20 ; on his 
meeting with Gates, 22 ; on his mother's 
illness, 72; on his feelings upon ac- 
cepting the Presidency, 120; on the 
impassability of the roads to Philadel- 
phia, 199; on trip through Southern 
States, 212 ; on fever in Philadelphia, 
263 ; on his retiring from office of Sec- 
retary of War, 294; on political life, 
309 ; on retiring from the Presidency, 
343; attends the theatre, 138; becomes 
Secretary of War, 1790, 139; accom- 
panies Washington to meeting of 
Senate, 143 ; Washington consults, on 
proposed trip to Eastern States, 148 ; 
appointed commissioner for Creek na- 
tion, 190 ; present at Cabinet meeting 
which issued proclamation of neutrality, 
255 ; at Miss Willing's marriage, 312 

Knox, Mrs. Henry, 138; at Mrs. Wash- 
ington's levee, 300 

Kosciusko, Gen. . 361 

Lafayette, Marquis de, Washington to, on 
his life at Mount Vernon, 6 ; on navi- 
gntion of the Potomac, 21 ; on the ar- 
rival of the hounds at Mount Vernon, 



37 ; on the amendment of the Articles 
of Confederation, 56 ; on defects of the 
Federal system, 71 ; on condition of the 
country, i05 ; on the public happiness, 
117; on his illness, 183; on business 
transacted by Congress, 190 ; on his 
health, 208; on the return of his son, 
352; visits Mount Vernon, 10; is en- 
tertained by the merchants of Rich- 
mond, Va., in 1784, 18; parts with 
Washington, 20 ; sends key of Bastile 
to Washington, 189 ; troubles of, 249, 
250 ; daughters of, share his captivity, 
250; mentioned, 59, 66, 107, 114, 150, 
252, 254 

Lafayette, Marchioness de, Washington 
to, 250 

Lafayette, George Washington, Washing- 
ton to, 312 ; receives money from Wash- 
ington, 334 ; accompanies Washington 
to Mount Vernon, 346 ; sails for France, 
352 ; mentioned, 324, 329, 349 

Lambert, , 219 

La Moyeur, Dr. , 113 

Lancaster celebrates anniversary of 
American independence, 226, 227 

Langdon, Hon. John, 128, 135, 138, 144, 
167, 158, 167, 174, 179; Washington 
to, upon receiving official notification 
of his election as President of the 
United States, 121 

Langdon, Mrs. John, 138 

Lanadowne, residence of John Penn, 85, 88 

" Lansdowne Portrait," 324, 325 

Latimer, George, Speaker of the House 
of Representatives, congratulates Wash- 
ington on his birthday, 298, 320; men- 
tioned, 340 

Latrobe, Benjamin H., 349, 350 

Laurens, Col. John, 257 

Lauzun, Duke de, 59 

Law, 186, 282, 374 

Law, Eliza Parke, is bequeathed picture 
of Washington, 186; mentioned, 326 

Law, Thomas, 351, 359, 361, 368, 375, 
379, 381, 384, 385, 387 

Lawrence, John, 77, 128, 164, 168, 175; no- 
tifies Washington of his re-election, 250 

Lawson, Alexander, 346 

Lear, Mrs. Mary, death of, 261 

Lear, Tobias, 63, 64, 94, 95, 96, 110, 144, 
150, 187, 197, 198, 231, 232, 309, .326, 
356, .363, 369, 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 
386; engaged as private secretary to 
Washington, 57 : accompanies Wash- 
ington to Alexandria, 101 ; to New 
York, 120; to Senate Chamber, 167; 
carries bond to Captain Conway, 118; 
quoted. 132, 393; to Clement Riddle on 
the indisposition of Washington, 140, 
194; Washington to, 196, 199. 263; to, 
on sending Jay to England, 276 



INDEX. 



405 



Lee, , 34, 35, 100, 117, 369, 379 

Lee, Arthur, 33, 134, 178; member of 
Finance Committee, 139 

Lee, Charles, 34, 46, 73, 367, 369 ; Wash- 
ington to, on the Attorney-Generalship, 
312 

Lee, Cornelia, 361, 382 

Lee, Edmund, 379, 384 

Lee, Gen. George W. C, owner of Peale's 
portrait of Washington, 303 

Lee, Henry, 46, 69, 110, 113, 213,312, 
358 ; Washington to, on trouble in 
Massachusietts, 66 ; on the Constitu- 
tion, 109; on portrait taking, 239; 
on his re-election, 249 ; on the policy 
of the United States remaining neu- 
tral, 255 ; on his trip to Mount Vernon, 
260, 261 ; accompanies Washington to 
Bedford, 289, 290 ; receives instructions 
from Washington, 290 

Lee, Jesse, 213 

Lee, Lucy, 379 

Lee, Ludwell, 44, 110, 361, 362, 363, 379, 
382 

Lee, Richard Bland, visits Mount Vernon, 
52 ; Washington votes for, as repre- 
sentative to Congress, 117 ; mentioned, 
168, 363 

Lee, Richard Henry, 44, 45, 131, 181, 
186, 361 ; Washington to, on canal 
navigation, 21 ; presents address from 
Virginia to Washington, 180; son of, 
mentioned, 212 

Lee, Thomas Sim, elected director of the 
Potomac Navigation Company, 31 ; 
mentioned, 63, 103 

Lee, Mrs. Thomas S., 212 

Lee, William, 357, 361 ; son of, men- 
tioned, 106; body servant of Wash- 
ington, 28 

Lee family, members of, visit Mount 
Vernon, 34 

Legaux, Peter, 84 

Leigh's Tavern, 94, 95 

Lemon Hill, residence of Robert Morris, 
75 

L'Enfant, Maj. , 210, 223 

Leonard, George, 172, 178, 184 

Lerch, Anthony, 229 

Lewis, 29, 289, 311, 356 

Lewis, Col. Andrew, 102 

Lewis, Betty, 104, 212, 223; illness of, 
72 ; Washington to, on family affairs, 
243 

Lewis, Col. Fielding, children of, 356 

Lewis, Maj. George, 288; Washington's 
words to, in 1794, 289; to, on troubles 
with domestic service, 353 

Lewis, Howell, 241, 289; resides with 
Washington, 237 ; Washington to, 266; 
last visit of, to Washington, 391 

Lewis, John, 28, 72 



Lewis, John Delaware, 325 

Lewis, Maj. Lawrence, 289, 311, 391; 
accompanies Washington to the Senate 
Chamber, 167 ; notice of marriage of, 
to Nelly Custis, 357; Washington to, 
on his marriage, 377 ; license for same, 
378; marriage of, 378, 379; daughter 
of, 388 

Lewis, Lorenzo, 311 

Lewis, Col. Morgan, 131 

Lewis, Robert, 243, 378 ; nephew of Wash- 
ington, dines with his uncle, 144; ex- 
tract from diary of, 145 ; Washington 
to, on payment of rents by tenants, 
230 ; on life at Mount Vernon, 329 

Lewis, Thomas, 16 

Lilly, Thomas, 228 

Lincoln, Gen. Benjamin, 33, 65, 161, 218, 
312 

Linn, Dr. William, first chaplain of United 
States House of Representatives, dines 
with Washington, 164 

Liston, Sir Robert, 373, 386 ; on personal 
appearance of Washington, 244 ; his 
reception as Envoy Extraordinary to 
the United States, 327 

Liston, Mrs. Robert, 343 

Lithgow, , 219 

Little, Col. Charles, reviews troops at 
Alexandria, 361 ; mentioned, 380 

Littlepage, Capt. Lewis, visits Mount 
Vernon, 43 

Livermore, Judge Samuel, 167, 176 

Livingston, 80 

Livingston, Mrs. , 80, 83, 138 

Livingston, Brockholst, delivers oration 
on the anniversary of Declaration of 
Independence, 185 

Livingston, Chancellor, lady, and sister 
dine with Washington, 165; mentioned, 
138 

Livingston, Edward, 312, 323 

Livingston, Peter Van Brugh, son of, visits 
Mount Vernon, 40 

Livingston, Mrs. Peter Van Brugh, 
dances with Washington, 134 

Livingston, Hon. Robert R., 128; ad- 
ministers oath to Washington, 131, 132 

Livingston, Walter, 134; member of 
Finance Committee, 139 

Livingston, William, acts as escort to 
Washington through New Brunswick, 
1789, 127; visits Mrs. Washington, 
163 

Lloyd, Peter, 229 

Logan, Dr, George, 83, 111 

Logston, , 16 

Lomax, , 31, 68 

Lone, John, dines with Washington, 40 

Long, Mary, 309 

Louis XVI., portrait of, at Mount Vernon, 
61 



406 



INDEX. 



Lucket, Capt. , 14 

Ludlow, 300 

Luke, , 380 

Luzac, John, Washington to, 354 
Luzerne, Chevalier de, visits Mount Ver- 
non, 7 
Lyle's Tavern, 39, 54 

Lyles, Col. , 374, 375 

Lyman, , 152 

Lynch, Mrs. , 138 

Lynn, Maj. , 288 

Lynne, Col. , 28 

Lyon, Peter, 29 

McAlister's I'uwn, 225 

Macarty, Col. Daniel, 46 

Macaulay, Mrs. , see Graham 

McClay, William, 174 

McClellan, Gen. George, 199 

MeClenegan, Blair, 88 

McComb, Mrs. , 138 

McComb's wharf, 194 

McConnell, Matthew, 293 

McDougall, Gen. Alexander, President 
of Society of the Cincinnati, 47 

McGillivray, Alexander, sachem of Creek 
Indians, 172; receives token of peace 
from Washington, 190; mentioned, 
175, 188, 189 

McGlee, Col. , 284 

McGuire, Edward C, quoted, 381 

McHenry, Dr. James, 73 

McHenry, James, Washington to, 140, 
330, .347, 348, 362, 365, 367; appointed 
Secretary of War, 312; mentioned, 
363, 364, 373 

Mcintosh, Gen. Lachlin, 218 

McKean, Sally, extract from letter of, 
203 ; marriage of, 329 

McKean, Chief-Justice Thomas, acts as 
escort to Washington through Phila- 
delphia, 1789, 124; mentioned, 87, 
240 

McKee, Col. , 284 

MacKnight, Dr. , physician to Wash- 
ington, 182 

McKoy, , overseer for Washington, 

303 

McKoy, Judge , welcomes Washing- 
ton to Salisbury, 221 

Maclay, Edgar S., 206 

Maclay, Henry, 168 

Maclay, John, 168 

Maclay, Samuel, 229 

Maclay, William, extracts from journal 
of, 130, 132, 135, 137, 141, 144, 108, 
169, 174, 181, 182, 185, 186, 200, 201, 
202, 203, 204, 205 

Macomb House, residence of Washington 
in New York after 1790, 129 

McPherson, Maj. William, 228, 287, 293, 
340, 372 



Madison, James, 37, 40, 64, 68, 69, 76, 
106, 115, 147, 170, 175, 177, 186, 269 ; 
Washington to, on navigation of the 
Potomac, 22 ; to, desiring copies of the 
" Federalist," 99 ; to, on engaging lodg- 
ings for presidential party, 120 ; to, on 
fever at Philadelphia, 265 ; presents 
address of Virginia Assembly to Wash- 
ington, 10; appointed commissioner 
to settle the jurisdiction of the Chesa- 
peake Bay, 26, 27 ; dines at Mount 
Vernon, 100; attends the inauguration 
of Washington, 131; favors Washing- 
ton's tour through Eastern States, 149; 
extracts of letter to, from Jefierson, 
243, 266 ; notifies Washington of his 
re-election, 250 

Madison, Mrs. James, 321 

Magowan, , visits Mount Vernon, 31 

Malcolm, Gen. , brigade of, reviewed 

by Washington, 1 89 

Mandrillon, Joseph, extract regarding 
Washington from his work on America, 
19 

Mangle, Washington's opinion of a, 88 

Manigault, , 216 

Manley and French, Washington pur- 
chases land from, 67 

Manning, Dr. James, introduces Wash- 
ington to the college library at Provi- 
dence, 192 

Miinshur, , 96 

Mariner, Capt. William, 149, 187 

Marshall, , quoted, 291, 307, 308 

Marshall, , the music master, 355 

Marshall, John, Washington to, 354; ap- 
pointed envoy to France, 367 

Marshall, Samuel, 340 

Marshall, Smith, 177 

Martin, Gov. Alexander, arrives in Salem, 
N. C, 221 

Marvin, Maj. , 160 

Maryland, Declaration of the General 
Assembly of, 313, 337 

Maryland and Virginia commissioners 
meet at Mount Vernon in 1785, 27 

Mason, Col. George, 27, 28, 46, 47, 64, 71, 
72, 75, 91, 112, 243; attends meeting 
of commissioners at Alexandria, 26 

Mason, Thomson, 51, 357, 379, 380 ; op- 
posed to the Jay Treaty, 304 

Masonic festival attended by Washing- 
ton, 9 

Masons, Washington receives address 
from Grand Lodge of, 233, 337; An- 
cient York Masons of Alexandria dine 
Washington, 347 ; rites of, conducted 
over Washington's remains, 393 

Masters, Mary, original owner of Robert 
Morris house, 199 

Masters, Sarah, 200 

Masters, William, 199 



INDEX. 



407 



Mathews, , 108, 109 

Mathews, Gen. , 289 

Mathews, George, 168, 176 

Maxwell, Mrs. James H., dances with 
Washington, 134 

Meade, 363 

Meade, Richard Kidder, 363 

Meeker, Capt. , escorts Washington 

at Elizabeth-Town, 1789, 128 

Mentges, Col. Francis, 74 

Mercer, Capt. , 289 

Mercer, Charles Fenton, 369, 384 

Mercer, Col. George, 28 ; Washington 
sells and purchases land from estate of, 
54, 55 

Mercer, James, 28, 30, 72 ; buys lots from 
estate of brother George, 55, 56 

Mercer, John F., Washington to, on 
slavery, 02 

Meredith, , 384 

Meredith, Mrs. , 77 

Meredith, Samuel, 80, 83, 84, 87, 90, 161, 
163, 169, 373 

Miami, 319 

Michaux, Andre, visits America, 59 

Michaux, Franjois Andre, visits America 
to study forestry, 59 

Miflain, Thomas, 74, 76, 78, 84, 89, 265, 
287, 289, 373 ; Washington to, regard- 
ing a testimonial proposed by Pennsyl- 
vania, 4 ; accompanies Washington 
through Philadelphia, 1789, 124; re- 
ceives Washington at Philadelphia, 
195 ; attends Judge Wilson's law lec- 
ture, 202 ; attends ball given by Dan- 
cing Assembly in Philadelphia, 233; as 
President of the Society of the Cincin- 
nati, calls on Washington, 240 ; meets 
Washington at Carlisle, 285 

Mifflin, Warner, visits Washington on be- 
half of slaves, 175 

Miles, Col, Samuel, 74, 79 

Militia, national, Washington writes to 
Secretary of War upon question of, 
164; receives report from, 169 

Miller, William, 340 

Jlilligan, Robert, 84 

Mint, Congress takes measures towards 
establishing the, 208 

Mitchell, , 82, 307 

Monroe, Col. James, 64; Washington to, 
331 

Montgomery, John, 229 

Montgomery, Mrs. , 138 

Monticello, 177 

Moore, Andrew, 172, 178 

Moore, Benjamin, 142 

Moore, Jane, 86 

Moore, Maj. Thomas Lloyd, 80 

Moore Hall, residence of William Moore, 
86 

Moore's Tavern, 222 



Moravian settlement at Salem, N. C, 
Washington visits, 221 

Morgan, Gen. Daniel, 11, 289 

Morris, Elliston Perot, 268 

Morris, Gouverneur, 33, 91, 95, 106, 149 ; 
accompanies Washington to Valley 
Forge, 85 ; to Trenton, 86 ; Washington 
to, on visit from Indian chiefs, 239 ; to, 
on condition of the United States, 315, 
321, 322 ; is asked to have M. Genet 
recalled, 262 

Morris, Maj. Jacob, 65 

Morris, Col. Lewis, 65, 147 

Morris, Richard (Chief- Justice), attends 
ball given by Dancing Assembly in 
New York, 133 

Morris, Robert, 8, 29, 79-91, 95, 130, 135, 
137, 138, 143, 165, 170, 174, 181, 373; 
Washington entertained by, 74-76 ; 
family of, visit Mount Vernon, 102- 
106 ; entertains Washington on his 
way to New York, 124 ; history of 
house of, provided by city as residence 
for Washington, 199; attends Miss 
Willing's marriage, 312 

Morris, Mrs, Robert, 77, 279 ; accompanies 
Mrs. Washington to New York, 137 ; 
receives one of the proof impressions 
of Washington, 199 

Morris, Col. Roger, mention of house of, 
187 

Morris, Samuel, 268 

Morris, William, visits Mount Vernon, 
351 

Morrisania, 149 

Morse, , 184 

Morse, Rev. Jedidiah, sketch of Wash- 
ington by, 66 

Moultrie, Gen. William, 215, 217, 218; 
Washington to, with account of health, 
228; to, on portrait by Trumbull, 
236 

Mounsher, , 48 

Mount Vernon, alterations and improve- 
ments at, 9, 10; extent of the estate 
at, 50 ; advisability of letting the estate 
at, 269 ; Washington's interest in, 
while President, 273-275 ; his system 
for managing the farms at, 392 ; his 
remains deposited in vault at, 393 

Mounts, , 12 

Moustier, Count de, 110, 134, 147, 149, 
150 ; gives a ball in honor of Washing- 
ton, 135; Washington to, thanking 
him for gift of engravings, 198 

Muhlenberg, Frederick A., 132, 138, 167, 
323 

Muhlenberg, Gen, Peter, 137, 167, 175, 
181 

Muir, Rev. James, in charge of Orphan 
School at Alexandria, 272 

Mulberry Grove, 218 



408 



INDEX. 



Mulhollan, John, 229 

Murray, , 100 

Murray, John, 130 

Necker, M., bust of, presented to Wash- 
ington, 197 

Needles, Samuel H., 338 

Neely, Mrs. , 162 

Nelson, , 100, 386 

Nelson, Jr., Thomas, appointed secretary 
to Washington, 147 ; accompanies him 
to Senate Chamber, 167 ; to Rhode 
Island, 191 : to Philadelphia, 196 

Neutral vessels, Great Britain's order 
regarding, causes trouble in the United 
States, 276 

Neutrality, proclamation of, issued, 255; 
merchants and traders of Philadelphia 
thank Washington for proclamation of, 
257 

New York, Washington's reluctance at 
having to leave, 194 

Newenham, Sir Edward, Washington to, 
107 

Nicholas, Francis, 74 

Nichols, , 357, 379 

Niemcewitz, , 361 

Noailles, Louis Marie, Viscount de, 
refugee from France, visits Philadel- 
phia, 256, 257; present at Miss Will- 
ing's marriage, 312 

North, Lord, 324 

North Carolina adopts the Federal Con- 
stitution, 168 

Nourse, Joseph, 178 

O'Connell, Mrs. , 75 

Odem, , 219 

Oeller's Hotel, Chestnut Street, Philadel- 
phia, 251, 304, 345 

Ogden, , rector of Episcopal Church 

at Portsmouth, N. H., 157 

Ogden, Samuel, 87 

Ogden, Rev. Uzal, 142 

Oliver, , 213 

Onderdonk, Henry, 180 

O'Neill, , 240 

Osborne, , 213 

Osgood, Samuel, 134, 147, 163, 172, 204; 
owner of Franklin House, 129; mem- 
ber of Finance Committee, 139; 
daughter of, marries M. Genet, 259 

Otis, Samuel Allyne, of Massachusetts, 
176, 344; first secretary of United 
States Senate, dines with Washington, 
165 

Page, Col. , 289 

Page, John, 168, 175, 177, 181 
Page, Mrs. John, 181 
Page, Man, 104 



Paine, Thomas, Washington to, on receipt 
of key of Bastille, 189; mentioned, 
237 

Pains, Widow , 222 

Palyrat, Ignatius, consul from Portugal, 
presented to the President, 200 

Parker, Rev. B. B. C, William White to, 
297 

Parker, Col. John, 157, 386 

Parker, Josiah, 172, 178 

Parker, Dr. Samuel, rector of Episcopal 
Church, Boston, 1789, 155 

Parkinson, Richard, quoted, 375 

Parks, 101 

Parks, Andrew, 13 

Partridge, George, dines with Washing- 
ton, 165, 176 

Paterson, William, 168, 169, 174, 181, 
344 

Paulding, James K., quoted, 391 

Pauley, , 215 

Payne, Lucy, marriage of, 321 

Peake, William, 47 

Peale, Charles Willson, mention of the 
mezzotints by, 82, 83 ; assists in the 
decoration of Gray's Ferry Bridge in 
1789, 124; mention of portrait of 
Washington by, 303, 346 

Pearce, , owner of cotton manufac- 
tory, 238 

Pearce, William, becomes manager of 
farms at Mount Vernon, 260 ; Wash- 
ington to, with annual subscription to 
Orphan School at Alexandria, 272 ; to, 
on market prices obtained for produce 
at Mount Vernon, 273, 274, 275 ; re- 
tirement of, 331 ; Washington to, 263, 
266, 272, 278, 279, 280, 283, 302, 303, 
311, 315, 317, 318, 327, 328, 332, 334, 
336 

Pekmoller, , 360 

Pendleton, Edmund, Washington to, on 
retirement to private life, 295 

Penn, John, 75, 76, 78, 84, 85, 88 

Penn, Jr., Richard, occupies house after- 
wards owned by Robert Morris, 199, 
200 

Penthere, Count de, sends greetings to 
Washington, 149 

Perkins, Squire , 159 

Perry's garden, mention of, 149 

Peter, 283 

Peter, Eleanor, at Mount Vernon, 351 

Peter's Tavern, 224 

Peters, Judge Richard, 76, 85, 88, 244, 
262, 373 ; acts as escort to Washington 
through Philadelphia in 1789, 124 

Peters, Thomas, 351, 355, 359, 368, 369, 
370, 375, 378, 379, 381, 385, 387 

Phifer Maj. , 220, 221 

Philadelphia, Washington's welcome in, 
74, 195; the birthday of Washington 



INDEX. 



409 



celebrated in, 207, 251 ; merchants and 
traders of, address Washington on 
neutrality, 257 ; yellow fever in, 265, 
371 ; meeting of citizens of, opposed to 
the Jay Treaty, 306 ; merchants of, 
give dinner to Washington, 345 ; shows 
honor to the Commander-in-Chief of 
the army, 372 

Philips, Col. , 15, 16 

Phillips, Samuel, President of the Senate 
of Massachusetts in 1789, welcomes 
Washington, 159 

Philosophical Society, see American Phil- 
osophical Society 

Pickering, , 308 

Pickering, John, Vice-President of State 
of New Hampshire, receives Washing- 
ton, 167 

Pickering, Timothy, to Mrs. Pickering, 
with account of defeat of St. Clair's 
army, 231 ; invites Indians to visit 
Philadelphia, 234 ; succeeds Gen. Knox 
as Secretary of War, 294 ; Washington 
to, 310, 322, 329, 330, 369 ; appointed 
Secretary of State, 312 ; Washington 
denies to, the authorship of the " spu- 
rious letters," 353; Washington dines 
with, 373 

Pierce, , 219 

Piercey, Capt. , 370 

Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth, 75, 77, 93, 
302, 371, 374, 375; Washington to, 
106; to, on Nelly Custis's marriage, 
379 ; extract of letter from , Jefferson 
to, 267 ; as recorder of city of Charles- 
ton, welcomes Washington, 216; suc- 
ceeds Col. Humphreys as minister to 
Spain, 227 ; appointed envoy to France, 
368 

Pinckney, Thomas, minister to England, 
276 

Pine, Robert Edge, 29, 82, 89 

Piomingo (an Indian), Washington gives 
reception to, 279 

Pittsburgh, resolutions passed in, in oppo- 
sition to excise laws, 243 

Placide, Monsieur, Washington attends 
theatre benefit for, 238 

Plater, Col. George, 108, 109 

Plater, Mrs. George, 108 

Piatt. Col. , on yellow fever in Phila- 
delphia, 265 

Piatt, Widow, 180 

Pole, . 8 

Polk, Gen. Thomas, 220 

Pollock, Oliver, 87 

Polnitz, Baron de, Washington calls on, to 
view his threshing machine, 169 

Pond, Enoch, 159 

Pope, , candidate for Senate in dis- 
trict of Fairfax, 1787, 95; mentioned, 
101 



Porcupine, Peter, see Cobbett 

Porter, , 96, 100, 112, 363 

Potomac Navigation Company, Washing- 
ton on the, 21, 22; organization of, 30; 
Washington attends meetings of, 31, 32, 
33, 34, 38. 39, 41, 43, 45, 51, 52, 54, 58, 
59, 61, 62, 68, 94, 95, 103, 107, 197, 
307, 355. 366, 384; Washington in- 
spects the route of, 35 ; he refuses to 
accept shares in, 41 

Potomac River, Washington issues proc- 
lamation in reference to seat of govern- 
ment on 206 ; takes trip up the, 198 

Potts, ,110,363,379,384 

Potts, Jr., John, clerk of Potomac Navi- 
gation Company, 51, 52, 63, 95, 383 

Poits, William Herbert, 376 

Powel, Samuel, 75, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 
87, 88, 89, 93, 94 

Powel, Mrs. Samuel, 4 

Powell, Col. , 383 

Powles Hook Ferry, 194 

Prager, , 80 

Price, Dr. Richard, 300, 318 

Pridie, , 222 

Priestley, Dr. Joseph, 318 

Prince's fruit-gardens, mention of, 149 

Proctor, Col. Thomas, escorts Indians to 
Philadelphia, 239 

Provost, Bishop Samuel, {)erf(iim& re- 
ligious service at inauguration ot Wash- 
ington, 132; mentioned, 142, 164, 179 

Provost, Mrs. Samuel, 138 

Publius, essays published under signature 
of, 1788, 99 

Quakers, Washington receives address 

from the, 160, 175 
Quincy, Mass., President Adams visits, 

37l' 

Rammage, John, takes a miniature of 
Washington, 147 

Ramsay, Col. , 363, 384 

Ramsay, Andrew, and wife, 379 

Ramsay, Col. Dennis, 41 

Ramsay, William, Washington attends 

funeral of, 25; mentioned, 379 
Randall, Thomas, cockswain on barge 
conveying Washington to New York, 
128, 129 
Randolph. Lt.-Gov. Beverley, 55 
Randolph, Capt. David Meade, 21.3, 363 
Randolph, Edmund, 71, 75, 80, 85, 91, 
171, 302, 312; appointed commissioner 
to settle the jurisdiction of Chesapeake 
Bay, 26. 27; appointed Attorney-Gen- 
eral, 139; at Cabinet meeting which 
issued proclamation of neutrality, 255 ; 
presents M. Fauehet to Washington, 
272 ; introduces John Quincy Adams 
to Washington, 279; Washington to. 



410 



INDEX. 



on inland navigation, 36 ; to, on the 
Constitution, 99 ; to, on his re-election, 
242 ; to, 265, 266 ; to, on Jay's appoint- 
ment, 275; to, 278, 279; to, on Jay 
Treaty, 306, 308 ; to, on his resignation 
as Secretary of State, 308 

Rawdon. Lord, 220 

Rawle, William, 373 

Rawling, , 213 

Rawlins, Albin, clerk to Washington at 
Mount Vernon, 357 

Read, Hon. George, acts as escort to Wash- 
ington through Philadelphia, 1789, 124; 
mentioned, 147, 175 

Read, Jacob, 373 

Red Jacket presented with silver medal 
by the government, 235 

Redick, David, at Carlisle, 287 

Redman, Dr. John, 83 

Reed, , 221 

Reed, Joseph, 228, 373 

Keinagle, , 80 

lihode Island, College of, gives an address 
of welcome to Washington, 192 

Rhodes, , 374 

Richardet, Samuel, 346 

Jiichiiioiid, Vfi., merchants of, give a 
dinner to Washington and Lafayette, 
18, 19 

Rickett's Circus, 256, 260, 320, 341, 345 

Riddle, , 363 

Ridout, , 386 

Rittenhouse, David, eulogy on, 335 

Roberdeau, Isaac, 259 

Robertson, Archibald, takes portrait of 
Washington, 232: describes a dinner 
given by Washington, 232 

Rochambeau, Count de, 150, 348, 358; 
Washington to, 10 ; to, on death of 
General Greene, 61 ; to, on adoption 
of the new Constitution, 102 

Rodman, Dr. Thomas, 300 

Roe, Capt. , 180 

Rogers, 186 

Rogers, , 92, 302, 309, 363 

Rogers, Moses, 142 

Rogers, Rev. William, 83 

Roosevelt, Mrs. Isaac, funeral of, 161 

Root, Col. Jesse, 152 

Rosebery, Lord, in possession of Stuart's 
portrait of Washington, 324 

Ross, James, Washington to, on Jay 
Treaty, 309 

Ross, John, 76, 80 

Roth, Rev. John, extract from diary of, 
226 

Rouirie, Marquis de la, 150 

lludibort, , 16 

Rumney, William, Washington to, 9 ; 
mentioned, 96 

Rumsey, James, 60, 63 ; shows his model 
of steamboat to Washington, 11; en- 



gaged by the Potomac Navigation Com- 
pany, 33, 34 

Rush, Dr. Benjamin, 85; pronounces 
eulogium on David Rittenhouse, 335 

Rush, Richard, quoted, 200 

Russ, , 215 

Russell, , 219 

Ruston, Dr. Thomas, 80, 95 

Rutledge, Edward, 215; welcomes Wash- 
ington to Charleston, 216 

Rutledge, John, 75, 76, 85 

Rutledge, Mrs. John, 216 

Sage, , 215 

St. Clair, Arthur, accompanies Washing- 
ton through Philadelphia in 1789, 124 ; 
mentioned, 1 34, 145 ; army of, reported 
defeated, 231 ; attends ball given by 
Dancing Assembly, 233 

St. John's College, Annapolis, 356 

St. Mary's Church in Philadelphia, Wash- 
ington attends, 77 

St. Paul's Church in New York, 133, 164, 
165; attended by Washington, 148, 
161-177; oration delivered in, on the 
anniversary of Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, 185 

St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia, Wash- 
ington attends service at, 297 ; officials 
of, wait on Washington, 342 

St. Tammany Society receives delegates 
from Creek and Seminole nations, 188 

Saint Tries, M. , visits Mount Vernon, 

112 

Sarly, Capt. , 189 

Savage, Edward, takes portrait of Wash- 
ington, 164, 165, 166, 178 

Schureman, James, 170, 181, 186 

Schuyler, Gen. Philip, 162, 163, 170, 174, 
177, 184 ; Washington to, on Society 
of the Cincinnati, 8 ; attends theatre at 
the invitation of Washington, 162 

Scott, Thomas, 167, 170, 178, 184 

Scott, William, 52 

Scriba, Capt. , 131 

Seabury, Dr. Samuel, Bishop, 40 

Searson, John, author of poem on Mount 
Vernon, 381 

Season, , see Searson 

Seckel, Lawrence, 228, 340 

Sedgwick, Theodore, 170, 178, 269 

See, Richard H., 176 

Seneca chiefs visit Philadelphia, 239 

Seneca Falls, 117 

Seney, Joshua, member of House of 
Representatives, 1790, 166, 168, 176 

Serf, Col. , 68 



Sergeant, Col. 

Philadelphia, 265 
Sergent, A. F., 198 
Sevier, John, 186 
Shaw, , 38, 39, 47, 48 



on yellow fever in 



INDEX. 



411 



Shaw, Maj. Samuel, nominated for consul 
in Canton, 171 ; mentioned, 247 

Shaw, William, engaged as secretary by 
Washington, 33 

Shays, Daniel, rebellion led by, 65 

Shelburne, Lord, 324 

Shepherd, Gen. William, 152 

Shepherd's Tavern, 11 

Sherman, Roger, 131, 151, 169, 176 

Shippen, Thomas Lee, extract of letter 
from, to Dr. William Shippen, Jr., 
197 

Shippen, Dr. William, 80; extract of 
letter to, 197 

Short, William, appointed minister at 
court of Versailles, 179 ; letter to, from 
Thomas Jefferson, 183 

Shovat, Dr. A., 82 

Shreve, Col. Israel, 14 

Shrine, , 214 

Shuter's Tavern, 34, 94 

Silvester, Peter, 172 

Simmonds, , 180 

Simms, Col. Charles, chosen delegate to 
the Convention of Virginia, 100; men- 
tioned, 363, 383 

Simpson, Gilbert, owns land in partner- 
ship with Washington, 10-16 

Sinclair, Sir John, Washington to, on 
agriculture, 280, 351 ; to, 335, 353 

Singer, Abraham, 293 

Sinnickson, Thomas, 133, 172, 178, 184 

Sitgreave, Judge John, meets Washing- 
ton in Newbern, N. C, 214 

Skinner, , 291 

Slaughter, , 214 

Slavery, petition from the Quakers for the 
abolition of, 176 

Smallwood, Gov. AVilliam, 65 

Smith, , 36, 48, 161, 168, 171, 186, 

220, 371 

Smith, Benjamin, 215 

Smith, Mrs. Kirby Flower, now in posses- 
sion of Trumbull's portrait of Washing- 
ton, 186 

Smith, Obrian, 217 

Smith, Samuel, 128, 288 

Smith, Thomas, 15 

Smith, William, 142, 169, 170, 181, 186; 
notifies Washington of his re-election, 
250 

Smith, Dr. William Moore, delivers ora- 
tion on Dr. Franklin, 207 ; delivers 
address from Masons to Washington, 
337 

Smith, William S., of South Carolina, 
133, 134, 148, 161, 162, 165, 179; pre- 
sents address to Washington, 176; ac- 
companies Washington on visit to 
Rhode Island, 191; to Providence, 
192; visits Washington, 163; dines 
with Gov. Clinton, 164 



Smith, Mrs. William S., extract of letter 
to, 203, 206 

Snickers, , 63 

Snodgrass, , 11 

Snowden, Maj. , 73, 92 

Solms, Count de, and portrait of Wash- 
ington, by Wright, 3 

Sotomayer, Duke of, 329 

Southwark Theatre, Washington attends, 
in Philadeli>hia, 204, 238 

Spaight, Col. Richard D., 32 

Spanish minister, 1791, Don Joseph De 
Viar, the, to United States, 227 

Spencer, , 218 

Spieren, George H., 142 

Spinner, , 219 

Spotswood, Gen. Alexander, 29, 212, 351, 
356 

Spotswood, Gen. William, 55, 104 

Springettebury Manor, Washington at, 
78, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 88, 89 

Spurrier's Tavern, 92, 122, 199, 305, 307, 
309, 311, 370, 371, 374 

Stabler, H. S., 147 

Stagg, Maj. John, escorts Indians to 
Philadelphia, 239 ; mentioned, 284 

Stakes, Capt. , 131 

Stanton, Joseph, 184 

Staphorst, Nicholas Van, 249 

Stavely, John, 361 

Steel furnace of Nancarrow & Matlack, 
86 

Steer, Mr., and family dine with Wash- 
ington, 356 ; mentioned, 382 

Stenton, residence of Dr. Logan, 83 

Stephens, Col. William, 177 

Sterling, Lady, 138 

Sterret, Capt. , 380 

Steuben, Baron de, 134, 138, 141, 145, 162, 
16.3, 164, 165, 178 

Stevens, Senator , opposes the Jay 

Treaty, 304 

Stevens^ Rev. Charles Ellis, 297 

Stewart, David, 229 

Stewart, John, 340 

Stoddart, Maj. , 223 

Stodder, Capt. , 196, 197 

Stone, John H., Washington to, 313, 
336 

Stone, Michael, 170, 178, 184 

Stone, Thomas, appointed commissioner 
to settle the jurisdiction of the Chesa- 
peake Bay, 27 

Stover, Ralph, 340 

Stroads, Capt. , 11 

Strong, Caleb, member of the Senate in 
1790, 166, 167, 174, 181, 186; notifies 
Washington of his re-election, 250 

Stryker, William S., quoted, 126 

Stuart, 282 

Stuart, Mrs. , 377, 378, 379, 390 

Stuart, Miss , 40 



412 



INDEX. 



Stuart, Charles, acts as escort to Washing- 
ton in Annapolis, 210 

Stuart, Dr. David, 23, 28, 34, 39, 54, 56, 
71, 101, 106, 110, 210. 336; Washing- 
ton to, on government affairs, 82 ; to, 
on his firm belief in the Constitution, 
96; to, requesting his annuity, 114; 
to, 254, 338 ; chosen delegate to the 
Convention of Virginia, 100; and 
Presidential Elector, 116; and Com- 
missioner for the Capitol at Washing- 
ton, 264 ; residence of, 359 

Stuart, Mrs. David, illness of, 109 

Stuart, Gilbert, Washington to, 324 

Stuart, Richardson, 33, 34, 63 

Sturges, Jonathan, 172, 181, 186 

Sullivan, John, President of State of 
New Hampshire, receives Washington, 
157 

Sullivan, William, extract from work of, 
201 

Sumpter, Thomas, 175, 181, 186 

Suter, John , 197 

Suter's Tavern, 210, 307 

Sutton, , 220 

Swan Gen. , 371 

Swanwick, John, 87 

Sa-osh, 215 

Swearingin, Capt. , 15 

Tammany Society of Philadelphia waits 
on Washington, 8 ; of Richmond, Va., 
entertains Washington, 30 

Tannehil), Adamson, 229 

Taneytown, 226 

Taylor, , 36-38, 219 

Taylor's Tavern, 30 

Telfair, Gov. Edward, receives Washing- 
ton at Augusta, 219 

Temple, Sir John, 173 

Temple, Lady, 138 

Ternant, Col. Jean Baptiste, French 
minister, 227, 228, 258 

Tevot, M. , 358 

Thanksgiving Day, ordinance for observ- 
ing, 162, 295 

Thatcher, George, 167, 176 

Thatcher, Peter, minister of Congrega- 
tional Church, Boston, 1789, 155 

Theatre, Washington attends, 292, 293 

Thompson. , 104, 138, 180 

Thompson, Rev. , preaches in Pohick 

Church, 39 

Thompson, Israel, 11 

Thomson, Charles, Washington to, regard- 
ing his commission, 5, 6 ; secretary to 
Congress, bears official document to 
Washington of his election as Presi- 
dent of the United States, 121 ; accom- 
panies Washington on his journey to 
New York, 122-127 ; resigns his office 
of secretary of Congress, 141 



Thornton, Edward, describes Washing- 
ton, 235, 238; on ceremony of admin- 
istering oath of office to Washington, 
253 ; appointed secretary of British 
legation, 327 

Thornton, Capt. Presley, 369 

Thornton, Dr. William, 368, 374, 375, 
381 ; designs plans for first capitol 
buildings at Washington, D. C, 362 

Titcomb, Gen. Jonathan, 156, 157 

Todd, , 212 

Tracy, , 363 

Trammell, Sampson, 11 

Trammels, Capt. , 36 

Traversy, Marquis de, presented to Wash- 
ington, 150 

Treadway, , 222 

Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Naviga- 
tion, see Jay Treatj' 

Tredwell, Mrs. , extract of letter to, 

262 

Trenton, N. J., reception of Washington 
at, in 1789, 125, 126; public offices 
removed to, 371 

Trick ett, , 11 

Trinity Church, New York, consecration 
of, 177; attended by Washington, 179- 
181, 184 

Troup, , 171 

Trumbull, John, 168, 175; Washington 
at studio of, 1 69 ; Washington sits for 
picture to, 171-174, 177, 185-188; 
paints Washington's portrait for the 
city of New York, 188 ; and for Charles- 
ton, S. C, 236 ; secretary to John Jay, 
277 ; Washington to, 382 

Trumbull, Jonathan, 168, 175; presents 
address to Washington, 230 ; attends 
Dancing Assembly in Philadelphia,233; 
presents address to Washington, 247 

Truxton, Capt. Thomas, 385 

Tucker, Thomas Tudor, 128, 165, 176 

Tulcher, , 219 

Tumbelson, , 12 

Tunnercliffe, , 375 

Turner, Col. , receives Washington 

at Harrisburg, 285 

Turner, Alexander, 340 

Turner, H., 383, 384 

Twining. Thomas, extract from diary of, 
326, 327 

Tyson, Henry, 228 

Underdunck, Henry, see Onderdonk 
Union Tavern, 355, 384 
University, National, Washington's desire 
to see established a, 295, 296 

Van Berckel, Peter John, Dutch ambas- 
sador, holds an audience with Washing- 
ton, 136; dines with Gov. Clinton, 164; 
mentioned, 137, 161, 302 



INDEX. 



413 



Van Cortlandt, Pierre, 178 
Vander Kemp, Francis Adrian, visits 
Mount Vernon, 107 

Vanhaven, Mrs. , 356 

Van Havre, , 382 

Van Horn, , 309 

Van Horn, Isaac, 340 

Van Home, ,131, 305, 307, 309 

Van Polanen, R. G., appointed Minister 
Resident of the Batavian republic, 382 
Van Ranselaer, Mrs. Stephen, 163 
Van Rensalaer, Jeremiah, 178 

Van Zandt, Miss , dances the minuet 

with Washington, 134 
Vans Murray, William, Washington to, 
376; appointed Envoy Extraordinary 
to France, 385 

Vareen, ,215 

Varick, Col. Richard, 129, 165, 187; 
arranges Washington's papers, 3 ; dines 
with Gov. Clinton, 164 
Varlo, Charles, describes life at Mount 

Vernon, 17 
Varnum, Gen. James M., 74 
Vaughan, Benjamin, Washington to, re- 
garding chimney-piece, 25; mentioned, 
161 
Vaughan, John, 77 
Verplanck, Gulian, 178 
Viar, Don Joseph de, appointed ambas- 
sador from Spain, 148, 227 
Vining, John, 175, 181, 186 
Volney, C, visits Mount Vernon, 351 

Waddell, Henry, 142 

Wade, Capt. , escorts Washington at 

Elizabeth-Town, 1789, 128 
Wadsworth, Col. Jeremiah, 69, 152, 168, 

175 
Walker, John, Senator, presents address 

from Virginia to Washington, 181 
"Wallace Box" presented to Washing- 
ton, 232 
Wain, Robert, 340 

Walter, , 384 

Walton, Judge George, welcomes Wash- 
ington to Augusta, 219 
Wansey, Henry, his opinion of Washing- 
ton, 277 

Warne, , 179 

Warner, Capt. , 153 

Warren, , 360 

Warville, Count J. P. Brissot de, visits 
Mount Vernon, 112; his opinion of 
AVashington and his home, 112, 113 
Warwick, 209 
Washington County, Pa., denounces tho 

excise laws, 243 
Washington, B. C, act for the establish- 
ment of, issued, 187 ; Washington par- 
ticipates in laying corner-stone of Cap- 
itol at, 264 



Washington, 289, 357 
Washington, Augustine, 11, 68 
Washington, Betty, 356 
Washington, Bushrod, 3, 12, 16, 69, 349, 
367, 368, 379, 383, 384; Washington 
to, 142 
Washington, Charles, 11, 23, 103, 254; 

illness of, 117 ; death of, 385 
Washington, Corbin, 69, 382, 386 
Washington, Fanny, 92 ; marries Tobias 

Lear, 309 
Washington, Ferdinamio, 48 
Washington, George Augustine, 23, 24, 
33, 39, 44, 45, 46, 47, 55, 63, 73, 95, 
96, 105, 117, 309; marriage of, 40; 
visits Alexandria, 53; indisposition 
of, 241, 242 ; death of, 254 
Washington, Mrs. George Augustine, Mrs. 

Washington to, 283 
Washington, George Corbin, 3 
Washington, George Steptoe, marriage of, 

321 
Washington, Harriott, visits Abingdon 

and Alexandria, 101 ; mentioned, 243 
Washington, .John, 11, 357 
Washingtim, John Augustine, 41, 63, 69 ; 
death of, 68; last private owner of 
Mount Vernon, 198 ; daughter of, men- 
tioned, 212 
Washington, Lawrence, 34, 43, 384 ; sells 
the bust of M. Neoker, 198 ; of Cho- 
tanck, 357 ; of Belmont, 357 
Washington, Lund, 28, 33, 34, 40, 43, 47, 
65, 60, 95, 96, HI, 353; manages 
Mount Vernon estate, 24 
Washington, Martha, 32, 38, 44, 52, 66, 
69 92, 93, 100-109, 113, 144, 145, 147- 
160, 160, 161, 163, 164, 165-186, 194, 
196, 197, 202, 203, 232, 240, 243, 244, 
263, 277, 278, 279, 299, 300, 302, 303, 
305, 312, 316, 329, 333, 349, 351, 353, 
357, 359, 365, 389 ; holds her first levee 
May 29, 1789, 133; arrives in New 
York, 137; receives Friday evenings, 
142; attends Dancing Assembly in 
New York, 162; holds New Year's re- 
ception, 166; attends Assembly, 176; 
visits Fort Washington, 187; is re- 
luctant to leave New York, 194; enter- 
tained in Philadelphia, 195; suffers 
from indisposition, 196; journeys to 
Baltimore, 196 ; arrives at Mount Ver- 
non, 197; at Philadelphia, 199; at- 
tends Wilson's lectures, 202; holds 
levee, 203 ; attends Dancing Assembly 
of Philadelphia, 233, 272 ; attends the 
funeral of Mrs. Tobias Lear, 261 ; ex- 
tract of letter from, to Mrs. G. A. 
Washington, 283; attends church regu- 
larly, 297; leaves Philadelphia for 
Mount Vernon, 305 ; attends Miss Will- 
ing's marriage, 312; described, 326; 



414 



INDEX. 



holds reception on her husband's birth- 
day, 320 ; attends theatre, 321 ; attends 
reception, 341 ; holds her last drawing- 
room, 343 ; proceeds to Mount Vernon, 
346 ; visits Alexandria, 355 ; presents 
colors to the town of Alexandria, 366 ; 
dines at Mount Eagle, 377 ; illness of, 
384, 385; receives invitation to join 
the Alexandria Assemblies, 387 
Washington, Mary, Washington visits, 
29, 55, 104; illness of, 72; death of, 
lis ; notice of death of, 145 
Washington, Robert, 34, 43 
AVashington, Samuel, 48, 52, 289, 321 
AVashington, Thomas, 34 
Washington, Thornton, 52 
Washington, Col. Warner, 11, 16, 103 
Washington, Mrs. Warner, sons of, 386 ; 

mentioned, 392 
Washington, Whiting, 392 
AVashington, Col. AVilliam, 215, 217 ; at- 
tends races at Alexandria, 41 ; sketch 
of life of, 384, 385 
Washington, Gen. George, 

at Abingdon, Va., 28, 34, 52, 55, 56, 

63, 92, 94, 101, 109 
at Alexandria, Va., 9, 25, 27, 28, 
30-33, 38, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 54, 
59, 61, 62, 63, 66, 68, 69, 71, 92, 
94. 95. 100, 101, 105, 107, 108, 
109, 111,113, 116,117, 122, 199, 
211, 259, 309, 331. 347, 355, 356, 
358, 360, 361, 365, 366, 368, 370, 
378, 380, 381, 383, 388 
at Annapolis, Md., 9, 20, 21, 22, 209 
at AshfonI, Conn., 159 
at Augusta, Ga., 219 
at Baltimore, 73, 92. 122, 123, 196, 
278, 302, 305, 306, 307, 309, 311, 
346, 370, 371, 374 
at Bath, Va., 11, 288 
at Bedford, Pa., 289, 290 
at Beverly, Mass., 156 
at Billerica, Mass., 159 
at Bladensburg,92, 197,210, 302,305, 

307, 309, 370 
at Boston, 153, 154, 155 
at Brandywine, 307 
at Bristol, P.a., 194 
at Brookfield, Mass., 152 
at Brookhaven Township, 180 
at Brooklyn, 180 
at Brunswick, 194 
at Brushy Plains, 180 
at Cambridge, Mass., 153, 155 
at Camden, S. C, 220 
at Carlisle, Pa., 285, 286 
at Chambersburg, Pa., 287 
at Charles Co., Md., 64 
at Charleston, S. C, 216 
at Charlestown, Mass., 155 
at Charlestown, Va., 307, 309 



AVashington, Gen. George, 
at Charlotte, N. C, 220 
at Chester, Pa., 74, 209, 305, 307, 

309, 372, 374 
at Chester (East), 150 
at Christiana, 305, 307, 309, 374 
at Christiana Bridge, 372 
at Columbia, Pa., 291 
at Columbia, S. C, 219 
at Coventry, Conn., 160 
at Cumberland, Md., 288 
at Difficult Run, Va., 386, 387 
at Durham, 151 

at Elizabeth Town, N. J., 128, 194 
at Elizabeth Town Point, 137 
at Elkton, Md., 305, 307, 309, 311. 

371, 372, 374 
at Exeter, 159 
at Fairfield, Conn., 151, 160 
at Fayette County, Pa., 13, 14, 16 
at Flushing, 180 
at Fort Pleasant, Va., 16 
at Four Mile Run, Va., 66, 380 
at Frankfort, Va., 289 
at Fredericksburg, Va., 6, 29, 30, 65, 

72, 104, 105, 118, 212, 223 
at Fredericktown Md., 34, 224 
at Georgetown, Md., 34, 92, 94, 122, 

197, 210, 223, 230, 302, 305, 306, 

307, 309, 310, 311, 328, 365, 370, 

384 
at Georgetown, S. C, 215 
at Germantown, Pa., 266, 267, 280, 

281, 282 
at Glen Cove, 180 
at Gravesend, ISO 
at Gray's Ferry, Pa., 74 
at Gray's Ferry Bridge, Pa., 124 
at Great Falls, 51, 52, 63 
at Greencastle, Pa., 287 
at Guilford, N. C, 221 
at Gunston Hall, 46 
at Halifax, N. C, 214 
at Harper's Ferry, 35 
at Harrisburg, Pa., 284, 285 
at Hartford, Conn., 152, 160 
at Hartford, Md., 305, 307, 309, 311, 

370, 374 
at Haverhill, Mass., 159 
at Holliston, Mass., 159 
at Hope Park, 359 
at Humelstown, Pa., 284 
at Huntington, 180 
at Ipswich, Mass., 156 
at Jamaica, 179, ISO 
at Kingsbridge, 150, 160 
at Kingstown, 159 
at Kittery, Me., 158 
at Koram, 180 

at Lancaster, Pa., 226, 291, 333 
at Lebanon, Pa., 284 
at Leesburg, Va., 11, 103 



INDEX. 



415 



Washington, Gen. George, 

at Leicester, Mass., 153 

at Long Island, 179 

at Manchester, Va., 213 

at Mansfield, Conn., 160 

at Marblehead, Mass., 156 

at Marlborough, Mass., 153 

at Mamaroneck, 150 

at Menden, 159 

at Middlesex, Mass., 153 

at Middletown, Conn., 151 

at Milford, Conn., 151 

at Mount Eagle,Va.,359, 377,387,390 

at Mount Vernon, Va., 3-10, 17, 
19-21, 23-49, 50-67, 68-97, 
98-115,116-121, 197, 198, 199, 
211, 223, 230, 237, 241-243, 253, 
254, 259, 263, 265, 266, 278, 279, 
302, 306, 309, 310, 329, 330, 333, 
347-354, 355-369, 375-393 

at Myerstown, Pa, 284 

at Needham, Mass., 159 

at New<ark, N. .J., 128 

at Newbern, N. C, 214 

at New Brunswick, N. J., 127, 128 

at Newburyport, Mass., 156 

at Newcastle, Del., 209, 307 

at New Haven, Conn., 151, 160 

at Newport, R. I., 191 

at New Rochelle, 150 

at Newton, 180 

at New Utrecht, 180 

at New York, 128-149, 160-190, 193 

at Norristown, Pa., 284 

at Norwalk, 150 

at Oyster Bay, 180 

at Palmer, Mass., 152 

at Petersburg, Va., 213 

at Philadelphia, Pa., 7, 8, 74-91, 123, 
194-196, 199-208, 227, 228, 230, 
231, 233-240, 243-259, 260-263, 
268-280, 283, 291-305, 307, 308, 
311-315, 317-328, 331, 332, 
334-344, 372, 373 

at Pohick Church, 39, 63, 94, 110 

at Pomfret, Conn., 159 

at Portsmouth, N. H., 157, 158 

at Potomac Falls, Va., 51, 58 

at Pottsgrove, Pa., 284 

at Providence, R. I., 191, 192 

at Purisburgh, Ga., 217, 218 

at Rahway, N. J., 128 

at Reading, Pa., 284 

at Rhode Island, 192 

at Richmond, Va., 18, 19, 30, 55, 213 

at Rye, 150 

at Salem, Mass., 155, 156 

at Salem, N. C, 221 

at Savannah, Ga., 217 

at Seneca Falls, 60, 103 

at Setalkat, 180 

at Sherburn, Mass, 159 



Washington, Gen. George, 

at Shippensburgh, Pa., 287 

at Smith's Town, 180 

at South Hempstead, 180 

at Spencer, 153 

at Spring Mills, Pa., 84 

at Springfield, Mass., 1 52 

at Stamford, Conn., 150, 160 

at Stratford, 151 

at Susquehanna, 302, 305, 307, 309, 
371, 374 

at Taneytown, Md., 225 

at Tarborough, N. C, 214 

at Thompson, Conn., 159 

at Trap, Pa., 284 

at Trenton, N. J., 86, 125, 126, 194 

at Uxbridge, 159 

at Vallev Forge, Pa., 86 

at Wallingford, Conn., 151, 160 

at Warburton, Md., 108 

at Washington County, Pa., 14, 15 

at Washington, D. C, 264, 328, 331, 
333, 359, 368, 369, 370, 374, 381, 
387 

at Watertown, Mass., 159 

at Waynesborough, Ga., 219 

at Wethersfield, Conn., 151 

at AVeston, Mass., 153 

at AVhitemarsh, Pa., 88 

at Williamsburgh, 224 

at Williamsport, Md., 287, 288 

at Wilmington, Del., 73, 91, 123, 209, 
302, 305, 307, 309, 311, 372, 
374 

at Wilmington, N. C, 216 

at Womelsdorf, Pa., 284 

at Woodbridge, N. J., 128 

at Worcester, Mass., 153 

at Worthington, Conn., 160 

at Wright's Ferry, Pa., 291 

at Yorktown, Pa., 225, 291 

Watson, , 55 

Watson, Elkanah, his visit to Mount 

Vernon, 24 
Watts, John (king of Cherokees), dined 

by Washington, 334 
Watts, Lady Mary, 138 
Wayne, Gen. Anthony, 218, 284; recep- 
tion of, in Philadelphia, 319 
Webb, George, 55 

Webster, , 305, 307, 309, 311, 370, 

374 
Webster, Noah, visits Mount Vernon, 43 
Weedon, Gen. George, 72, 104 
Weems, Rev. Mason Locke, visits Mount 

Vernon, 70 
Weld, Jr., Isaac, quoted, 320 
Wellford, Robert, extract from journal of, 

290 
Wells, Richard, 228 

West, , 358 

West Point, purchase of, 185 



X- 



416 



INDEX. 



AVest, Roger, chosen delegate to General 
Assembly, 101 

West, Thomas, candidate for Senate in 
district of Fairfax, 1787, 95 

Weatmorelatid County, Pa., denounces 
excise laws, 243 

Wheeler, , 51 

Wheelock, John, of Dartmouth College, 
addresses Washington, 161 

AVhiskey insurrection, 282-291, 297 ; par- 
don granted to all concerned in, 305 

AVhite, , 384 

White, Alexander, 165, 170, 173, 181 

White, Col. Anthony Walton, 177, 287 

White, John, 229 

White, Rosannah, 372 

White, William, Bishop of Pennsylvania, 
80, 312, 343, 373; Washington to, with 
contribution for charity, 270 ; extract 
of letter from, to Rev. B. B. C. Parker, 
297 

Whiting, Anthony, Washington to, on 
home affairs at Mount Vernon, 246 ; to, 
253 ; death of, 260 

Wickerham's Mill, 15 

Wiley's Tavern, 386, 387 

Wilkinson, Gen. .James, 344 

AVillard, Joseph, president of Harvard 
College, welcomes Washington, 155 

Willet, Col. Marinus, agent to Creek 
Indians, 175 ; arrives in New York, 188 

Williams, , takes portrait of Wash- 
ington, 239 

Williams, Col. , 152 

Williams, Gen. Otho H., 25 

Williamson, Dr. Hugh, suggests appoint- 
ments in revenue ofiBce, 171 ; men- 
tioned, 178 

Williamson's garden, mention of, 149 

Willing, 75 

Willing, , 346 

Willing, the Misses, present at presi- 
dential levee, 203 

Willing, Miss Eliza, notice of marriage 
of, 311 

Willing, Thomas, 77, 311, 373 

AVillis, Col. , 104, 105 

Wihinixjtnii, N. C, AVashington enter- 
tained by citizens of, 215 

Wilson, , 95, 376 

Wilson, Judge James, 85, 170, 171, 177, 
262, 344 ; delivers law lecture, 202 



Wilson, William, 363 

Wingate, Paine, Senator from New 
Hampshire, 135, 138, 157, 167, 174, 
181, 186 

Winlaw's threshing machine, 169 

Winslow, , 30 

Wise, , 259, 307 

Wise's Tavern, 122 

Wisom, , 222 

Witherspoon, Dr. John, Washington 
visits, at Princeton, 126; mentioned 
246 

Withys, Mrs. , 74 

Wolcott, Oliver, 151, 178, 308; Washing- 
ton to, 318, 348 

Wolcott, Jr., Oliver, to his father on ill- 
ness of Washington, 182; appointed 
Secretary of Treasury, 296; mentioned, 
302, 308, 373 

Wolcott, Mrs. Oliver, visits Washington, 
163; Nelly Custis to, 347 

Woodorf, , 67 

Woollen manufactory, Hartford, Conn., 
Washington visits, 152; Washington 
attired in suit made in, 167 

Wormeley, , 11 

Worrell, , 209 

Worthington, Col. , 152 

Wright, Joseph, paints portrait of Wash- 
ington for Count de Solms, 3, 4 

Wright's Ferry (Columbia), 226 

Wycombe, Lord, 325 

Wynkoop, Gerardus, 249 

Wynkoop, Henry, 130, 168, 175, 181, 
186 

Wythe, George, 77 

Wythes, , 209 



Yearly, Widow , 17 

Yellow fever in Philadelphia, 1793, 263, 
265 

Yorktoicn, 388 

Young, , 180, 221 

Young, Capt. , 363, 370 

Young, Arthur, 54 ; Washington to, on 
plan of barn, 112, 113 ; to, on pleasure 
of agricultural pursuits, 114 

Yrujo M. de, Spanish minister, visits 
Washington at Mount Vernon, 329 ; 
Washington receives, as Envoy Extra- 
ordinary, 331 



THE END. 



LB^r'U 



